Valve control apparatus

ABSTRACT

A control valve ( 10 ) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages ( 53, 55, 57 ). A piston ( 34 ) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore ( 32 ) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller ( 70 ). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve controller further includes a installable and removable valve controller housing ( 74 ) which is releasibly engageable with a valve base ( 72 ). The valve may include a changeable piston and changeable injector and plug components to adapt the valve to different flow and fluid mixing requirements.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to piston valves with annular passages which maybe classified in CPC Class F16K 11/0716; US Class 137, Subclass 625.69.Exemplary embodiments relate to valve arrangements that are utilized inconnection with devices which require fluid flow through multiple flowpaths, for example, systems for water treatment.

BACKGROUND

Valve arrangements for controlling the flow of liquids may have numerousdifferent forms. In situations where the liquid is required to beselectively directed to multiple different flow paths, such arrangementscan be complex. Additional complexity may arise when different flowsequences and flow paths are required in connection with differentprocess steps involving a liquid. Further complexity arises when liquidsare required to be mixed with other fluids in connection with carryingout process flows.

Valve arrangements may benefit from improvements.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments include a valve arrangement that is capable ofselectively directing a liquid to multiple different flow paths. Theexemplary embodiment includes a control valve having a valve body. Theexemplary valve body includes an elongated longitudinal cylinder bore.The cylinder bore is in fluid communication with a plurality ofdifferent liquid ports which include inlet and outlet ports. The portsare in fluid connection with a plurality of respective generally annularpassages extending adjacent to the bore within the valve.

A valve element comprising piston is movably positionable longitudinallywithin the cylinder bore. The exemplary piston includes a profileconfiguration which includes a plurality of longitudinally disposedannular flow cavities. Selectively positioning the piston longitudinallyin the bore through operation of a valve controller causes the differentports of the valve to be placed in fluid communication. The exemplaryvalve controller is operative to enable the valve to be used inconjunction with other process equipment for purposes of selectivelydirecting the flow of liquid through the equipment in different flowpaths during a plurality of process steps. Such process steps mayinclude steps involving mixing of the liquid with other fluids andmaterials as required. The exemplary valve further includes thecapability to selectively shut off liquid flow and to provide bypassflow in order to stop and bypass the flow of liquid from certain processequipment associated with the valve.

Exemplary arrangements specifically relate to a water control valve thatis selectively operative to enable the removal of undesirable chemicalsfrom water. The exemplary valve is operative to enable flow conditionsto be changed to regenerate a resin material in a tank when necessary tomaintain optimal performance of the system in removing undesirablesubstances. Exemplary arrangements further provide a valve that includesthe functionality of an integrated water shutoff valve and a bypassvalve. This exemplary valve arrangement eliminates the need for separatevalves and piping to accomplish such functions.

Further exemplary arrangements include a readily changed or modifiedvalve controller for operation of the exemplary valve. The exemplaryvalve controller enables the valve controller to be readily installed,removed and replaced when necessary for maintenance or repair purposes.Further the exemplary arrangement provides a means for readilyoperatively connecting the valve controller and the valve body so thatthey may operate together.

Numerous other novel arrangements and features are described inconnection with the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary control valveincluding a movable piston and a plurality of annular flow passagesconfigured for use in connection with a water treatment tank.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 which shows the control valve in adifferent operating condition.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 which shows the control valve in yetanother operating condition.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 which shows the control valve inanother operating condition.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 which shows the control valve inanother operating condition.

FIG. 6A is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the control valve in anotheroperating condition in which flow of liquid into the valve is shut offand pressure on the outlet port is maintained.

FIG. 6B is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the control valve in anotheroperating condition in which flow of liquid into the valve is shut offand pressure on the outlet port is relieved.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 which shows the flow of liquidthrough the treatment tank bypassed through the valve.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing an exemplary valve controllerhousing and a valve base being moved toward an operative position.

FIG. 9 shows the valve base and valve controller housing in an operativeposition.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplarycontrol valve.

FIG. 11 is an isometric partial cutaway view of a portion of the valveassociated with a changeable injector.

FIG. 12 is an opposite hand partial cutaway showing the portion of thevalve in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic functional block diagram of an example systemthat utilizes the exemplary valves.

FIG. 14 is a schematic functional block diagram of an example slavevalve assembly.

FIG. 15 is a schematic functional block diagram of an example userinterface device in the system.

FIG. 16 is a schematic functional block diagram of an example dualdevice configuration.

FIG. 17 is a schematic functional block diagram of exampleconfigurations for sensor assemblies.

FIG. 18 is a schematic functional block diagram of an exampleconfiguration of a slave relay sensor and a slave sensor assembly.

FIG. 19 is a schematic functional block diagram of an exampleconfiguration of a relay sensor that is remotely controlled via awireless user interface device.

FIG. 20 is a schematic functional block diagram of an example housing ofa master controller that includes power terminals to which slaveassemblies may be connected.

FIGS. 21-23 are exemplary flow diagrams that illustrate the operation ofa master controller and slave assemblies.

FIGS. 24-27 show views of an example valve assembly for a waterconditioner.

FIGS. 28-31 are exemplary logic flow diagrams that represent operationscarried out through operation of the master controller, slavecontrollers and user interface devices of exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 32-35 are views of an exemplary cabinet used for housing a waterconditioner and also supporting an exemplary master controller and userinterface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary arrangements of the embodiments described herein may beused in conjunction with the components, features, systems and methodsdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/698,381 and/or14,698,399 filed Apr. 28, 2015, the disclosures of each of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly FIG. 1, it is showntherein an exemplary control valve generally indicated 10. Control valve10 includes a valve body 12. The valve body 12 is schematicallyrepresented and is comprised of one or more parts which function in themanner that is represented schematically in FIGS. 1-8.

The exemplary valve is used in operative connection with a watertreatment tank 14. Tank 14 of the exemplary arrangement is a watersoftener tank that extends generally vertically with the valve 10positioned at the top thereof via a threaded or other releasableconnection. It should be appreciated that the water treatmentapplication is only an exemplary use for the control valve configurationand that the proportions of the tank as shown in the Figures are notnecessarily representative of tanks that may be utilized in connectionwith the control valve described. Rather, in most water treatmentarrangements the exemplary valve will be used with a verticallyelongated tank which is many times longer than the height of the valvebody. Further the exemplary valve may be used in conjunction with othertypes of processing systems and equipment.

The exemplary water treatment tank includes a top portion 16 and abottom portion 18. The exemplary tank includes a water treatmentmaterial 20 therein. In some exemplary arrangements, the water treatmentmaterial 20 comprises resin material that is suitable for ion exchangewith mineral laden water that is treated by flowing therethrough. Suchresin material may be comprised of plastic beads or zeolite materialthat has a negative charge. The exemplary operation of the watertreatment tank includes capturing ions in water that make the water“hard” such as calcium and magnesium ions and replacing such ions in thewater with ions that are not undesirable such as sodium ions. In otherembodiments other types of treatment materials other than ion exchangeresin materials may be used. These materials may include absorbentmaterials, filtration materials, catalytic materials, dissolvingmaterials, reacting materials or other types of materials. Of course itshould be understood that the types of liquid processing, treatmentmaterials and methods described are exemplary and in other arrangements,other types or additional types of equipment, materials, structures andelements for treating water or other liquids may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement, the tank 14 includes a central tube 22extending vertically therein. Tube 22 includes an internal tube conduit24. The exemplary tube conduit extends between a top end 26 of the tubeand a bottom end 28 of the tube. The bottom end of the tube is fluidlyopen to the area of the tank that includes the resin material. Thebottom end of the tube is in operative connection with a strainer 30.Strainer 30 operates to prevent the resin from entering the fluidconduit inside the tube.

The exemplary valve body includes at least one valve element thatselectively places ports of the valve in fluid communication. Anexemplary valve body includes an elongated cylindrical bore 32. The bore32 is elongated in a longitudinal direction which is the verticaldirection as the valve is shown in FIG. 1. The longitudinal directionmay alternatively be referred to as an axial direction herein. The bore32 has a movable piston 34 therein. The piston 34 includes on its outercircumferential surface, a plurality of longitudinally spaced recessedannular flow cavities such as cavity 36. The exemplary piston 34 alsoincludes a longitudinal flow cavity 38. Longitudinal flow cavity 38extends through the piston from a first longitudinal end 40 to a secondlongitudinal end 42.

The exemplary valve body further includes a plurality of annular flowcavities 44 for example, that extend in at least partially surroundingrelation of the bore 32. Although not shown in the drawings, but asdescribed in the incorporated disclosures, exemplary embodiments includeresilient seals that operatively extend between the piston and the wallsof the valve body that extend radially inward toward the bore. Theresilient seals are operative to prevent fluid flow between the radiallyoutwardly disposed annular surfaces of the piston and the annularradially inward extending walls bounding the flow cavities of the valvebody. In exemplary arrangements, the seals are configured to preventfluid flow other than through flow cavities that are in operative fluidconnection through the selective longitudinal positioning of the pistonas described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the piston 34 is in operative connectionwith a piston rod 46. The piston rod 46 is operatively connected to thesecond longitudinal end of the piston. The exemplary piston rod isoperatively connected to the piston through a releasable threadedconnection as shown. In the exemplary embodiment the threaded connectionincludes a coupling with fluid openings therethrough that enables theflow of liquid through the longitudinal flow passage. The coupling alsoenables the piston to be removed and replaced with a piston of adifferent configuration.

The exemplary piston rod extends through an opening 48 in the valvebody. A suitable resilient seal is provided adjacent the opening so asto prevent the escape of liquid from the inside of the valve body aroundthe piston rod. The piston rod is operatively connected at the endoutside the valve body to an actuator bracket 50. The actuator bracket50 is in operative connection with a valve controller of a type laterdescribed herein and/or as described in the incorporated disclosures.The valve controller is operative to selectively longitudinally move theactuator bracket and the piston rod so as to selectively position thepiston to provide different flow conditions. Of course it should beunderstood that this valve element configuration is exemplary and thatin other embodiments other at least one valve element configurationssuch as rotating elements, shutter elements or other types of fluid flowdirecting elements may be used.

The exemplary valve body includes a plurality of ports. The portsinclude an inlet port 52 which is designated with the letter A forpurposes of brevity. The exemplary inlet port is in operative connectionwith a source of untreated water. In exemplary embodiments, the sourceof untreated water may be a well, reservoir or other source of waterthat requires the treatment provided by passing the water through thewater treatment material tank. In exemplary arrangements the untreatedwater is provided at an elevated pressure to the inlet port 52. This isaccomplished through the use of a pump, the head of liquid in a tank orreservoir, or other suitable method for providing the water to the inletport at a positive pressure. As represented schematically in Figures,the inlet port A is in operative fluid connection with an annular flowcavity 53 within the exemplary valve body.

The valve body further includes an outlet port 54. Outlet port 54 whichis designated B for purposes of brevity, is configured to be inoperative connection with one or more devices that use treated water.For example, the outlet port 54 may be fluidly connected to a pipingsystem within the building in which the water treatment equipment isinstalled. In such an exemplary system the exemplary outlet port B is inoperative connection with treated water use devices such as faucets,showers, hot water tanks, etc. which deliver, store and/or use waterthat has been treated by having passed through the tank. Of course thisapplication is exemplary. As represented in Figures, the outlet port Bis in operative connection with an annular flow cavity 55 within thevalve body that is longitudinally disposed from the annular cavity inthe valve body that is connected to Port A.

The exemplary valve body further includes a drain port 56. Drain port 56which is designated C for purposes of brevity is configured in theexemplary system to be in operative connection with a drain whichreceives waste water. The drain port 56 is in operative connection withan annular flow cavity 57 within the valve body as represented in theFigures. Further it should be understood that although the drain port Cis configured to be in connection with a wastewater drain, the waterpassed from the exemplary drain port may be captured for treatment andrecycling or for other suitable purposes.

The exemplary valve body further includes a first tank port 58. Thefirst tank port 58 is labeled D for purposes of brevity herein. In theexemplary arrangement the first tank port D is fluidly connected throughthe valve to a first area at the top of a tank. This first area is on anupper side of the resin material 20 in the tank. In the exemplaryarrangement the first tank port 58 is above the level of the resinmaterial 20 as shown. Of course it should be understood that thisarrangement is exemplary and other arrangements of components may beused in connection with other embodiments.

The exemplary valve body further includes a second tank port 60. Thesecond tank port 60 which is labeled E for purposes of brevity, is inoperative connection with the tube conduit 24 within the tube 22. Thesecond tank port 60 is in operative fluid connection with the lower areaof the tank through an opening at the bottom end 28 of the tube and thestrainer 30. The second tank port 60 is in operative fluid connectionwith the lower side of the resin material.

The exemplary valve body further includes a further port that in theexemplary system is referred to as brine port 62. Brine port 62 which islabeled F for purposes of brevity, is configured for operativeconnection with a brine tank. The brine tank of exemplary embodimentsmay provide a slurry of water softener salt and water which produces abrine solution which is utilized for regenerating the resin material inthe tank in a manner that is later discussed. The exemplary brine port62 is in operative connection with a movable valve member 64. Themovable valve member 64 is movable within the valve body and dependingon the position of the movable valve member, is operative to place thebrine port 62 in fluid connection with at least one fluid cavity withinthe valve body. In the exemplary embodiment a moveable plunger 66 is inoperative connection with the at least one movable valve member 64. Aspring 68 is in operative connection with the plunger and serves to biasthe plunger upwardly from the valve body as shown so as to close thevalve member 64. As later explained in detail, the valve controller isoperative to selectively move the plunger 66 so as to operativelyconnect the brine port to flow cavities within the valve for purposes ofdelivering treated water out of the valve from the brine port and forreceiving brine material from the brine tank.

In the exemplary embodiment the valve includes an injector 71. Theinjector 71 is positioned in a passage 75. The injector further includesa check valve 73. The check valve 73 enables flow from the injector tothe flow cavity 44 and prevents flow in the opposite direction. In theexemplary arrangement the injector is removably positionable in thepassage 75.

The exemplary valve body further includes a passage 59. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1, the passage 59 is closed by a removableplug 61.

The exemplary valve body further includes a passage 65. Passage 65 isfluidly connected with annular cavity 55. The valve body furtherincludes a chamber 69. Chamber 69 is in fluid communication with passage65. A screen 67 is positioned fluidly intermediate of the passage 65 andthe chamber 69. Chamber 69 is in fluid connection with the injector 71.

The exemplary embodiment of the control valve operates in an exemplarysystem in a manner similar to that described in greater detail in theincorporated disclosure. A valve controller that is in operativeconnection and with the actuator bracket moves the bracket along thelongitudinal direction which is the vertical direction as shown in FIG.1 and selectively positions the piston to achieve a plurality of flowconditions along different flow paths through the valve. In an exemplaryfirst condition of the valve represented in FIG. 1, untreated water isreceived into the valve through the inlet A. Water passes through thevalve cavities of the piston and the valve body as represented by thearrows shown in FIG. 1. The untreated water is in fluid connectionthrough the valve with the first tank port D. In this flow condition thecheck valve 73 prevents flow of untreated water through the injector 71to cavity 55 and the outlet B. Untreated water flows from the first tankport downward through the top of the tank and into the resin material20. In some exemplary arrangements the top of the tank may include a gassuch as air or oxygen to react with materials dissolved in the incomingwater to produce reaction products that can be more readily separatedfrom the water. In the exemplary arrangement the water passing throughthe resin material undergoes an ion exchange in which calcium, magnesiumand other positively charged ions in the water are captured by the resinand replaced in the water with sodium ions which are present in theresin.

In the condition shown in FIG. 1 the water that has been treated bypassing downward through the resin passes through the strainer 30 andtravels upwardly through the tube conduit 24 to the second tank port E.From this position the now treated water passes through the valve bodyfrom the second tank port E to the treated water outlet port B. Thetreated water is passed from the water outlet B to piping and to thedevices which use the treated water.

In the exemplary embodiment the valve controller operates the valve todeliver treated water from the brine port F of the valve to the brinetank at selected appropriate times. This is done in the exemplary systemso that the brine solution is available for delivery to the valve 10 andthe resin material 20 when required. In order to provide availablebrine, the valve controller is operative to depress plunger 66 downwardas represented by arrow P as shown in FIG. 2. Moving the plungerdownward is operative to move the movable valve member 64. Movement ofthe valve member 64 enables water that has been treated by passingthrough the resin and received at the second tank port E to be passedout of the valve through the brine port F.

In this valve configuration, the treated water passes through thepassage 65, through the screen 67 and into the chamber 69. From thechamber 69 the water flows into the interior of the body of the injector71 (later described in detail) and to the brine port F past the openvalve element 64. It should be noted that the check valve 73 preventsthe flow of untreated water into the body of the injector 71. Further,passage 59 which has a configuration similar to the passage whichincludes the injector body 71, is fluidly blocked by the plug 61 so asto require treated water to flow through the passage 65, the screen 67and chamber 69 into the injector body.

In the exemplary system treated water is passed out through the brineport for a sufficient time to enable production of suitable brinesolution by mixing of the water with water softener salt that has beenplaced in the brine tank. The production of the brine and themeasurement of the salt levels and other features associated with thebrine tank are discussed in the incorporated disclosures. As can beappreciated from FIG. 2, with the piston 34 positioned as shown, whiletreated water is being delivered to the brine tank the exemplary valvecontinues to deliver treated water from the second tank port E of thetank to the water outlet B.

After a period of operation of the exemplary system, the amount of waterthat has been treated by passing through the resin material causes theions in the resin material to change their character to the point thatthe undesirable calcium and magnesium ions in the untreated water are nolonger satisfactorily replaced through the ion exchange with the moredesirable sodium ions. When this condition occurs, the resin treatmentmaterial can be cleaned and regenerated in the manner discussed in theincorporated disclosures and as described herein, so as to return theresin material to satisfactory performance. In various embodiments theneed to regenerate the resin may be determined on a timed basis, on thebasis of the amount of water that has passed through the tank, or basedupon sensing the properties of the treated water that has been deliveredfrom the outlet B through suitable electronic sensors. As can beappreciated, in exemplary systems while the resin in the water softeneris being regenerated, treated water may be supplied to the devices andsystems that use treated water from a storage tank holding a supply oftreated water or by treating the water with another water treatmentdevice.

Operation of the exemplary valve in a first step in a treatment mediaregeneration process is represented in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, thepiston 34 of the valve is moved so as to be disposed upward from thepositions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This is done in the exemplaryembodiment by moving the piston in the longitudinal direction bymovement of the actuator bracket 50 and the piston rod 46.

Movement of the piston 34 to the position shown in FIG. 3 causes theinlet and outlet ports A and B of the valve to be in fluid connectionwith the second tank port E. Further in this position of the piston, thefirst tank port D is in operative connection through the valve body withthe drain C. As represented by the water flow arrows shown in FIG. 3,the untreated water at the elevated pressure and some treated waterwhich can be drawn back through the water outlet port B, pass throughthe valve to the second tank port E and downward through the tube 22.The water passes through the bottom of the tube and outwardly throughthe strainer. The water is dispersed and flows upwardly through theresin 20 so as to backwash the resin. The backwash represents a reversalfrom the normal flow during water treatment and causes particles andother materials that have been captured in the resin to flow upward inthe tank.

The water flowing upward in the tank flows into the first tank port Dand through the valve body to the drain port C. As a result, theparticulates and other contaminants that can be dislodged and removed bybackwashing the resin are caused to flow out the top of the tank,through the valve and are discharged to a suitable waste drain throughthe drain port C. The backwash portion of the cycle continues for asuitable time in accordance with the programming of the valve controlleror associated control device to achieve the release of the majority ofthe particulates and contaminants that have been captured in the resinmaterial. The backwash operation may be continued on a timed or otherbasis sufficient to complete the operation.

At the conclusion of the backwash function, the exemplary valvecontroller is operative to change the condition of the valve to thatshown in FIG. 4. In the position of the piston 34 shown in FIG. 4, waterunder higher pressure from the inlet A as well as water pulled from theoutlet B passes through the valve body to the first tank port D. In thiscondition, the exemplary valve controller is operative to depress theplunger 66 and move the movable valve member 64 so as to open a flowpath in the valve body. This causes the brine port F to enable brinesolution to be received by the valve from the brine tank, into the flowof water as it moves through the valve body and to the first tank port Dat the top of the tank. In exemplary embodiments brine delivered to thebrine port F may be pressurized through operation of a pump or similardevice so as to facilitate the delivery of the brine into the valvebody. In other arrangements, the brine may be moved into the flow ofwater through venturi action or other suitable action which is suitablefor causing the brine to be moved into the brine port F and mixed in thewater that is flowing through the flow cavities of the valve body 12.

In the exemplary arrangement, treated water flows through the passage 65and the screen 67 into the chamber 69. From the chamber, the water flowsthrough an opening 63 and into the interior of the body of the injector71. The incoming brine from brine port F mixes with the water in theinterior of the injector body and flows in the direction in which flowis permitted past the check valve 73 at the inward end of the injector71. Once the brine containing water passes the check valve 73, it flowsthrough an interior passage of the valve to the first tank port D.

In the position of the exemplary valve element and valve controllerrepresented in FIG. 4, water including the fresh water softener saltsolution passes through the area at the top of the tank and passesdownward into the resin material 20. The ions from the brine materialflow into and migrate in the resin material, regenerating the supply ofsodium ions therein and displacing the calcium, magnesium and other ionscurrently bonded to the resin particles therein. The water and the ionsthat are displaced from the resin material pass through the strainer 30at the bottom of the tube 22 and flow upwardly to the second tank port Eat the bottom of the valve. In this position of the valve piston 34 thewater passing upwardly through the tube 22 passes through thelongitudinal flow cavity 38 of the piston, through the flow cavity atthe top of the valve body and out the drain port C. As a result,undesirable material is washed out of the resin and moved to the drainport.

The condition of the valve represented in FIG. 4 is maintained throughoperation of the valve controller for a period of time sufficient todraw an amount of brine into the tank that will regenerate the resin.Thereafter the exemplary valve controller operates to cause the plunger66 to no longer be positioned to cause the movable valve member 64 toenable brine to enter the valve body through the brine port F. Asrepresented in FIG. 5, the valve controller changes the position ofpiston 34 such that untreated water from the inlet A and water otherwisereceived from the outlet B pass through the valve body to the first tankport D. The check valve 73 of the injector 71 prevents flow to chamber69 through the injector. The water which no longer has the new brinemixed therein passes downwardly through the bed of resin material 20through the strainer and into the tube conduit 24 within the tube 22.

In this condition of the exemplary valve, the water from the tubeconduit passes upwardly through the tube 22 and the second tank port E,through the longitudinal flow cavity 38 in the piston and outwardly tothe drain port C of the valve body. Such flow through the resin providesa rinse function which is operative to cause any remaining regeneratebrine material in excess of that which is captured within the resinmaterial to be rinsed out and passed to the drain. The condition of thevalve shown in FIG. 5 is maintained through operation of the valvecontroller for a sufficient time to clear the excess regenerate materialfrom the tank. This may be done in some embodiments on a timed basis orother basis sufficient to accomplish the function.

Generally after regenerating the resin material as just described, theexemplary valve is returned by the valve controller to the flowcondition which is shown in FIG. 1. In this condition, untreated waterenters the inlet A of the valve body, passes through the valve body tothe first tank port D. The water then passes through the resin 20 whereit undergoes water treatment to remove undesirable materials and ionexchange is accomplished. The treated water then passes upwardly throughthe tube 22 to the second tank port E. The treated water then passes outof the valve body through the outlet B through which it is delivered tothe water distribution system in the building and the water use devices.Generally the valve remains in this condition until the cycle forregenerating the resin material needs to be repeated.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment the position of thepiston 34 in the rinse position of the valve shown in FIG. 5, isimmediately linearly longitudinally adjacent to the piston position 34when the valve is in its usual service mode of operation in whichuntreated water is treated by flowing through the resin in the resin inthe tank 14. This configuration minimizes the introduction of untreatedwater or other undesirable material when the condition of the valve ischanged between the last step in which the remaining regenerate materialis rinsed and removed from the tank, and the valve causes the system togo back into normal service mode. Of course it should be understood thatthis approach is exemplary and in other arrangements other approachesmay be used.

The exemplary control valve 10 further provides the function of a valveshutoff which in the exemplary system separates the water treatment tank14 from the untreated water inlet A. This function can avoid the needfor an external shutoff valve to prevent untreated water from flowing tothe control valve and the tank.

FIG. 6A represents the condition of the exemplary valve 10 in a shutoffcondition. As can be appreciated in the exemplary system when it isdesired to shut off the flow of untreated water to the valve and to thetank, the valve controller operates to cause the piston 34 to be movedto the position shown in FIG. 6A. In this position of the piston 34, theflow of untreated water into the inlet A is stopped by the position ofthe piston in which the annular flow cavities then connected to theinlet are not open to any other flow cavities within the valve.

As represented in FIG. 6A, the first tank port D is likewise incommunication with a flow cavity within the valve that is not fluidlyconnected to any other flow cavity. In this position of the piston, thewater outlet B is in operative connection with the second tank port E.Water pressure is effectively maintained at the outlet B unless a wateruse device is turned on which reduces such pressure. As a result, flowis effectively discontinued on a selective basis through actuation ofthe valve controller. Of course it should be understood that thisparticular configuration is exemplary and in other embodiments, otherconfigurations may be utilized for purposes of shutting off the flowbetween the water inlet A and the water outlet B.

FIG. 6B represents the exemplary valve in a further shutoff condition.In the shutoff condition shown in FIG. 6B, the exemplary piston 34 is ina somewhat different longitudinal position from the position of thepiston in FIG. 6A. In the position shown in FIG. 6B, the flow ofuntreated water into inlet A is stopped and untreated water supplied atthe inlet does not flow through the valve to any other port.

However, in the position of the piston 34 in FIG. 6B fluid pressure atoutlet port B is relieved to the drain port C. This is achieved byhaving fluid ports B, E, D and C in fluid communication. In thisposition of the valve element almost all the fluid pressure is releasedfrom the outlet port C as well as from the lines and devices of thewater delivery system to which the valve is connected.

In some exemplary arrangements the valve may be placed with the valveelement in the shut off position shown in FIG. 6A or FIG. 6B dependingon the circumstances under which flow through the valve is shut off. Forexample in systems for water management such as described in theincorporated disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/698,381and/or 14/698,399, the valve may be controlled to be in the shutoffcondition with pressure maintained on the outlet port B when the fluidflow is to be shut off, but the delivery system is to remain pressurizedat the normal level. In such circumstances the exemplary valve isconfigured as shown in FIG. 6A. However, if the water management systemoperates in response to conditions where the outlet port and waterdistribution system is programmed to be depressurized, the controlleroperates to configure the exemplary valve in the shutoff position shownin FIG. 6B. This may be done for example, when a probable system leak isdetected. In such circumstances the central controller of the watermanagement system may operate to minimize water damage, by not onlyshutting off further incoming water, but also by relieving pressure atthe outlet port B so that water in the distribution system can pass outof the valve to the drain C. This may reduce the amount of water whichcomes out of the system at the site of the leak. Of course this approachis exemplary and in other embodiments, other approaches may be used.

A further feature of the exemplary embodiment of valve 10 when used inthe exemplary water treatment system is the ability to operate the valvecontroller to allow incoming water to bypass the water treatment tank14. For example in an exemplary system there are some situations such aswhen delivering water to an external spigot to wash off a sidewalk,irrigate plants and the like, when it may not matter that the water isuntreated. Further in some situations the amount of water required for aparticular activity may be relatively large compared to the amount ofwater that is used in circumstances where it is highly desirable for thewater to be treated by having been treated by having passed through thetank 14.

In situations where it is desirable to deliver untreated water for useby a particular device, the exemplary valve controller may be operatedto cause the piston 34 in the valve 10 to be moved to the longitudinalposition shown in FIG. 7. In this piston position, untreated water whichis delivered at the inlet A is passed through the valve body directly tothe outlet B without passing through the resin material 20 in the tank.In this way, the untreated water is provided to the water use devicesfor as long as untreated water is desired. After the activity isaccomplished for which the untreated water will be used, suitablesignals can be delivered to the valve controller to return the valvecondition to that shown in FIG. 1 in which the water is again treated bypassing through the tank.

Of course it should be understood that the valve configuration shown isexemplary and in other embodiments other valve configurations havingdifferent valve body arrangements, valve element configurations, portsand other structures may be utilized. Further, while the exemplaryembodiment has been described in connection with a water treatmentprocess, other embodiments may be utilized in connection with othertypes of fluid treatment equipment and processes.

The exemplary embodiment of the valve controller includes features thatenable the valve controller housing to be readily installed inconnection with the valve. Further this exemplary construction enablesthe valve controller to be readily replaced or serviced.

An exemplary embodiment of the valve controller 70 is represented inFIGS. 8 and 9. The exemplary valve controller is operative toselectively move the actuator bracket 50 and the piston rod 46 toposition the piston 34 longitudinally within the valve body 12 in themanner previously discussed herein. The actuator 70 may include thefeatures and devices of the incorporated disclosures so as to carry outthis function. Of course it should be appreciated that in otherembodiments, other types of structures, devices and mechanisms may beutilized for purposes of providing selectively controlled movement ofone or more valve elements.

In the exemplary embodiment of the controller 70 a valve base 72 isconfigured to be in operative connection with the valve body 12 of thevalve 10. A valve controller housing 74 is configured to be selectivelyengageable with the valve base and placed in an operative position inwhich the valve controller may change the condition of the valve. Thevalve controller housing 74 is also configured to be readilydisengageable from the valve base for reconfiguration, replacement orrepair.

In the exemplary arrangement, the valve controller housing and the valvebase include interengaging projections and slots to provide for thesecure engagement and selective disengagement of the valve base andhousing. Although it should be understood that the interengagingprojections and slots may be in fixed connection with either of theengageable components, in the exemplary embodiment the valve baseincludes a pair of elongated rail projections 76. The pair of elongatedrail projections 76 extend on opposed sides of the piston rod 46 andextend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in whichthe piston rod is moveable.

The exemplary elongated rail projections are configured to be engaged incaptured relation by elongated recessed slots 78. Elongated slots 78extend in portions of the valve controller housing 74. The exemplaryslots 78 are configured such that the rails 76 once extended therein arecaptured and immovable in all directions except along the direction ofthe rail projections designated by arrows R in FIG. 8. The secureengagement of the projections and slots may be achieved in differentembodiments by interengaging tabs, flanges or other structures on theprojections and slots which only enable such items to be engaged anddisengaged by movement along the direction of arrows R.

The exemplary valve controller housing 74 further includes a pair ofdeformable members 80. Deformable members 80 each terminate at a hook82. Each hook 82 is configured to engage and hold tabs 84 that areoperatively connected with at least one wall when the valve controllerhousing is in the operative position as shown in FIG. 9. It should beunderstood, however, that the hook and tab configuration shown isexemplary and in other arrangements, the configuration may be reversedsuch that the hooks are included in engagement with the valve base andthe structures for engaging the hooks are included on the valvecontroller housing. Further, other structures may be utilized forselectively holding and releasing the valve base and valve controllerhousing in the operative position.

In the exemplary arrangement, the actuator bracket 50 is configured tobe readily operatively engaged with and disengaged from the structureswhich operate to selectively move the actuator bracket which are part ofthe valve controller housing. In the exemplary arrangement, the actuatorbracket 50 includes a longitudinally elongated guide yoke portion 86.Guide yoke portion 86 includes a longitudinally elongated guide slot 88.The exemplary actuator bracket is further configured to include anactuator recess 90. Actuator recess 90 includes an elongated actuatorslot that is elongated in a direction transverse to the longitudinaldirection.

In an exemplary arrangement, the guide slot 88 in the guide yoke portionis configured to accept a guide pin 92 on the housing in movablerelation therein. In the exemplary arrangement, the valve controllerhousing 74 includes a pair of deformable holding projections 94. Theholding projections are spaced apart in symmetric relation relative toguide pin 92 and are sized to enable the guide yoke portion 86 to extendin movable relation between the holding projections. In the exemplaryarrangement, each of the holding projections includes an angled hook end96. Hook ends 96 of the holding projections 94 extend in facing relationand are configured to enable the guide yoke portion to be moved betweenthe holding projections and held between the projections by the hookends. As a result, the guide yoke portion is enabled to move in alongitudinal direction while positioned between the holding projectionsand in guided relation in the longitudinal direction by the guide pin92. Further the hook ends 96 serve to prevent the guide yoke portionfrom moving out of the area between the holding projections and beingdisengaged from the guide pin.

It should be understood that this approach is exemplary and in otherarrangements, one or more guide pins may be positioned on an actuatorbracket which engage with slots or other openings in the housing.Further other structures may be utilized for engaging the actuatorbracket or similar structures in releasable movable connection.

Further in the exemplary arrangement, the actuator recess 90 isconfigured to receive therein an actuator pin 98. Actuator pin 98 of theexemplary arrangement is operative to be selectively moved in an arcuatepath responsive to operation of the valve controller 70. In theexemplary arrangement, the actuator pin 98 is positioned on a rotatablemember that is selectively rotated so as to control the relativevertical position of the actuator pin, and thus control the movement andlongitudinal position of the piston 34 through longitudinal movement ofthe actuator bracket 50.

In the exemplary arrangement, the actuator pin is selectively moved inan arcuate path which causes the pin 98 to move relatively transverselywithin the actuator recess 90. The selective positioning of the actuatorpin 98 along its arcuate path as determined through operation of thevalve controller 70 is usable to selectively position the actuatorbracket 50 and the piston 34 in operative connection therewith, in thedesired positions to achieve the desired flow conditions through thevalve.

Further, the exemplary arrangement enables the bracket to be readilyoperatively disengaged from the valve controller housing 74. As can beappreciated, disengagement of the deformable members 80 from the tabsallows relative movement of the valve base 72 and the valve controllerhousing 74 along the direction of arrow R and in an opposed directionfrom when the base and housing are being engaged. In the exemplaryarrangement, the holding projections 94 are movable and deformable toenable the hook ends 96 to release the guide yoke portion 86 of thebracket 50 from being held in intermediate relation of the holdingprojections 94. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment the actuatorpin 98 may be moved out of the elongated actuator slot 90. Thus theactuator housing and the components attached thereto may be readilydisengaged from the valve base 72. Thereafter a new valve controllerhousing 74 may be readily engaged with the valve base 72 and theactuator bracket 50. Such replacement may be done for repair ormaintenance purposes. Alternatively an alternative valve actuatorhousing may be installed to provide additional or different features andfunctions for operation of the valve and related components such as theexemplary water treatment system. For example a valve controller thatoperates based on wired connections with other system components may bereplaced with a valve controller that communicates wirelessly with othercomponents, and vice versa. Alternatively the valve controller may bereplaced to convert the valve and associated equipment to operate via adifferent method of operation. Of course it should be understood thatthese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments, otherapproaches may be used.

Further in the exemplary arrangement as shown in FIG. 9 the valvecontroller housing 74 includes a rotatable member 100 which includes camsurfaces 102 thereon. The cam surfaces 102 are configured to operativelyengage the plunger 66 and displace the plunger so as to control themovement of the movable valve member 64 within the valve body. In theexemplary arrangement the rotatable member 100 and cam surfaces 102 areconfigured so that the valve controller housing 74 can be disengagedfrom the valve base 72 without interference with the plunger member 66.This further facilitates the ready installation and replacement of thevalve controller housing. As can be appreciated, the exemplary valvecontroller includes a pair of cam surfaces 102 which enables opening themovable valve member twice during a single rotation of the rotatablemember. This may correspond, for example, to operation of the valve andits associated equipment in connection with a method that requiresopening of the movable valve element 64 two times during a particularoperation cycle such as the one previously described. Of course itshould be understood that in other embodiments, different numbers of camsurfaces may be utilized. Further other exemplary arrangements mayinclude valves with additional valve elements and cam members so as toenable the introduction of other liquids and fluids into the valve atvarious selected cycle times during operation of the valve and theassociated equipment.

As represented in FIG. 9, the exemplary valve controller includes amotor 104. The motor 104 is in operative connection with a transmissiongenerally referred to as 106. The transmission of the exemplaryembodiment includes a plurality of connected gears or similar motiontransmission devices that are selectively moved through operation of themotor 104. The transmission 106 of the exemplary arrangement isoperative to move the actuator pin 98, rotatable member 100 and otherstructures which control the positioning of the valve components in acoordinated manner so as to achieve the desired coordinated operation ofthe valve structures. Further the exemplary valve controller includes anencoder 108. The encoder 108 moves in coordinated relation with one ormore components of the transmission. One or more sensors (such as anoptical sensor) is in operative connection with the encoder throughoperation of control circuitry such as is described in the incorporateddisclosures. The encoder and associated sensor or sensors may beutilized to determine the then current status and/or position of thevalve components so as to enable the valve controller to selectivelymove the various components associated with the valve in the desiredmanner. Of course it should be understood that the transmission, motor,encoder and other structures of the valve controller shown are exemplaryand in other embodiments, other types of valve controller arrangementsmay be utilized.

FIG. 10 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of a control valvegenerally indicated 110. Control valve 110 is generally similar tocontrol valve 10 previously described except as otherwise mentioned.Control valve 110 corresponds to a control valve that has beenreconfigured so as to enable the carrying out of different functionalprocesses as discussed herein.

Control valve 110 includes a valve body 112. Valve body 112 isconfigured for operative attachment to the water treatment tank 114.This may be for example by releasable threaded connection. In exemplaryarrangements valve body 112 may be identical to body 12. Like thepreviously described water treatment tank, the exemplary tank has a topportion 116 and a bottom portion 118. The exemplary tank houses watertreatment material such as a resin material 120. The resin material maybe one of the types like those previously described. Of course othertypes of water treatment materials or combinations of materials may beused in other embodiments. Further it should be understood that thewater treatment process performed using the control valve is merely oneexample of an application for the particular control valve arrangement.

The exemplary water treatment tank includes therein a tube 122 whichprovides a conduit 124 between the top and bottom portions of the tank.The top end of the tube 126 is operatively connected to the valve body112. The bottom end of the tube 128 is in operative connection with astrainer 130.

Similar to the previously described control valve 10, the valve body 112includes at least one movable valve element. The exemplary valveincludes a generally cylindrical, longitudinally extending bore 132. Apiston 134 is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction withinthe bore 132. It should be noted that the exemplary piston 134 has thesame configuration as piston 34 of the previously described embodiment.As in the prior embodiment the exemplary valve is configured to enablethe piston to be changeable.

As discussed in connection with the previously described embodiment,piston 134 includes a plurality of annular recesses which define annularflow cavities 136. Annular flow cavities also generally surround thebore and are longitudinally spaced within the body of the valve. Piston134 also includes a longitudinal flow cavity therethrough 138. Piston134 includes a first longitudinal end 140 and a second longitudinal end142. As in the case with the previously described embodiment, the secondlongitudinal end includes a threaded portion adjacent the secondlongitudinal end 144 which is releasibly engageable with a coupling 144.The coupling 144 of the exemplary arrangement provides for operativereleasable connection of the piston 134 and a piston rod 146. As withthe prior embodiment, the coupling 144 enables fluid to flowtherethrough through the longitudinal flow cavity 138 of the piston.

In the exemplary arrangement associated with the control valve 110, thepiston 146 is in operative connection with an actuator bracket 150.Actuator bracket 150 is configured to be moved by a valve controllerwhich may be similar to the valve controller 70 previously discussed. Ofcourse it should be understood that in other embodiments, other types ofvalve controllers may be used.

Like previously described control valve 10, control valve 110 furtherincludes an inlet port 152 which is labeled A for purposes of brevityherein. The valve also includes an outlet port 154 labeled B. Theexemplary valve further includes a drain port 156 labeled C. Valve 110further includes a first tank port 158 labeled D and a second tank port160 labeled E. The exemplary valve 110 further includes a brine port 162(labeled F). The brine port F similar to the previously describedembodiment, is connected to a fluid passage within the valve which isopened and closed through selective movement of a movable valve member164. The movable valve member 164 is moved between open and closedpositions through movement of a plunger 166 which is biased toward thevalve member closing position by a spring 168. As is the case with theprior described embodiment, the plunger 166 may be selectively movedbetween the open and closed positions of the valve through operation ofthe valve controller. This may be done by engagement with cam surfacessuch as cam surfaces 102 previously described. Of course in otherarrangements, other approaches may be used.

Similar to the previously described valve, valve 110 includes a flowpassage 165 which is fluidly connected to a chamber 169. A screen 167 ispositioned such that fluid passes through the screen 167 to reach thechamber 169.

Valve 110 includes a passage 170 similar to passage 59 that is disposedbelow the passage 165 as shown and a further passage 172 similar topassage 75 that is disposed above passage 165. An injector 171 that issimilar to injector 71 is positioned in passage 170. The injector 171includes a check valve 194. A plug 174 which may be similar to the plug61 of the previously described embodiment is positioned in passage 172.In the exemplary embodiment a fluid passage that is not separately shownextends between the passage 172 and passage 170. This fluid passage isseparate from the fluid passage 165 and enables the brine port F tocommunicate with both passages 170 and 172. In this exemplaryarrangement, the plug 174 positioned in the passage 172 enables thebrine port F to be in communication with the passage 170 and theinjector 171. This enables the injector body to be in fluidcommunication with the brine port when the valve member 164 is open.

In the exemplary valve 110 a removable cover 176 closes the chamber 169.In the exemplary arrangement suitable sealing elements such as gasketsand fastening members such as screws are provided to enable holding thecover to the rest of the valve body and for maintaining the chamber 169in fluid tight engagement therewith. In the exemplary arrangement thecover 176 enables selectively accessing the passages 170 and 172 as wellas the plug and injector that may be positioned therein. This enablesthe exemplary valve 110 to be configured such that the injector may beselectively positioned in either one of the fluid passages 170 or 172.Likewise the plug 174 can be selectively positioned in the other one ofthe passages 170 or 172 in which the injector 171 is not currentlypositioned.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are cutaway views of the portion of the valve body 112and the passages 170 and 172. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 11 and12, the injector 171 is shown positioned in passage 172 while the plug174 is positioned in passage 170. This corresponds to the configurationof the injector and plug shown in valve 10 that has the positions of theinjector and plug reversed from that shown in valve 110. Thus as can beappreciated, the exemplary embodiment of valve 110 enables a personassembling the valve initially to selectively position the injector body171 and plug 174 in either passage 170 or passage 172 as is appropriatefor the operation of the particular control valve. Further thisexemplary configuration may enable a service technician or personmodifying the valve to remove the cover and change the positions of theinjector body and the plug so as to modify the operational capabilitiesof the valve. Further in other alternative arrangements the valve may beconfigured to have plugs positioned in both of the passages 170 and 172.This might be done, for example, to have a valve that operates not tohave brine solution or other material introduced into the liquid thatpasses through the valve. Alternatively in still other arrangementsinjectors or other elements may be positioned in both of the fluidpassages. This might be done, for example, in valve configurations wherein multiple positions of the piston, it is desirable to introduce brinesolution or other material into the liquid flow.

It should also be appreciated that alternative arrangements may beutilized in connection a valve configuration like that described. Forexample, check valves or other arrangements may be utilized so as toallow fluid flow in an opposite direction from that permitted by thecheck valve of the injector so that fluid may be enabled to flow intothe chamber 169 in certain longitudinal positions of the piston forproducing a desired flow path. Further in other alternativearrangements, the chamber 169 may have multiple segregated areas so asto be in connection with additional ports or flow paths through thevalve. Such capabilities may provide additional flow alternatives to thevalve which enable the valve to provide additional capabilities. As canbe appreciated, those skilled in the art can develop numerous changeablevalve configurations suitable for different processes and equipment fromthe description provided herein.

Further in the exemplary arrangement the plug 174 includes disposedannular seals 178 and 180. These disposed annular seals are comprised ofresilient material that engage the adjacent walls of the flow passage soas to provide fluid tight engagement therewith. However, as can beappreciated, the body portion 182 of the plug 174 that extends betweenthe seals is spaced inwardly from the annular wall bounding the passage170. This provides the capability for fluid to occupy and flow in thearea between the annular wall bounding the passage and the body portion182 without the fluid being able to flow directly into the chamber 169or the passage 184 which can fluidly connect with the area adjacent tothe second tank port 160. As can be appreciated, this exemplaryconstruction of the plug 174 when positioned in the passage 172 asrepresented in FIG. 10 enables the brine solution which enters thepassage 172 to flow around the body portion 182 of the plug member andinto the chamber 170 to reach the injector 171.

As also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the exemplary injector 171 includesdisposed annular resilient seals 186, 188 and 190 which engage insealing relation the adjacent annular wall bounding the passage 172. Theexemplary injector includes a liquid inlet 192 similar to opening 63 ata first end, and an outlet from the check valve 194 at the opposed end.In the exemplary arrangement the seals 186 and 188 bound an area 198which can be filled with the brine solution which is received thereinwhen the valve member 164 is open. Brine in the area 198 is drawnthrough openings 200 in the injector body as liquid flows therethrough.This causes the brine solution to be mixed with the liquid as it flowsthrough the injector body in the manner previously discussed. Treatedwater can also be delivered from area 198 to the port F in anappropriate valve condition like that previously discussed. Of course itshould be understood that this injector configuration is exemplary andin other valve and system arrangements, other approaches andconfigurations may be used.

In the exemplary system used in conjunction with valve 110 and shown inFIG. 10, the valve may be operated in conjunction with the watertreatment tank in a manner similar to that previously described inconnection with valve 10. However, in this exemplary embodiment, theselective positioning of the piston 134 by the valve controllerassociated with the valve enables the regeneration of the resin material120 housed in the tank 114 via the upward flow of the brine solutionrather than via a downward flow of the brine solution such as isdescribed in connection with the operation of valve 10 and representedin FIG. 4. In the prior described example of the system used inconnection with valve 10, the brine solution acts to regenerate theresin material housed in the tank by flowing from the upper surfacethereof and to the bottom area and out the tube 22. In the operation ofvalve 110, regeneration is accomplished by distributing the brinesolution initially from the bottom end of the tube 128 and having thesolution migrate radially outwardly from the strainer and upwardlythrough the resin so as to provide for regeneration thereof. This may bemore effective for some resin materials or tank configurations. Furtherit should be appreciated that because in some exemplary arrangements thepiston 134 and valve body 112 may be identical to piston 34 and valvebody 12 respectively, the change in capability from downflowregeneration to upflow regeneration may be accomplished by changing therespective positions of the injector and the plug within the valve bodyand changing the programming associated with the controller so that thecontroller positions the piston in a different position (e.g. theposition shown in FIG. 4 for downflow and the position shown in FIG. 10for upflow). This is useful in that the need for servicers andinstallers to have a stock of different valves for upflow and downflowregeneration can be avoided.

As can be appreciated, the method for configuring the exemplary valvefor either upflow or downflow regeneration includes removing the cover176 to access the chamber 169. The injector 171 and the plug 174 arepositioned in the passages 170, 172 in the manner appropriate for theregeneration approach desired for the unit. The cover 176 is theninstalled to fluidly seal chamber 169. The valve controller 70 isprogrammed via one or more inputs through an appropriate input devicesuch as a laptop or handheld computer, which inputs controllerexecutable instructions that cause the piston to move to the appropriateposition for the regeneration approach to be used. Further these methodsteps can be used to change the regeneration approach of an existingunit. This capability of the exemplary embodiments to be configured asdesired without the need to change valve bodies, pistons or actuatorscan be useful and cost effective.

In the exemplary operation of the valve 110, the valve is enabled tooperate in a manner similar to that discussed in connection with valve10 and is represented in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7.

It should be appreciated that in the exemplary arrangement, the plug 174is configured so that treated water can be directed out of the brineport F in a manner similar to that described in FIG. 2 due to theconfiguration of the plug and the annular flow chamber which extendsaround the central body portion 182 thereof. As a result, treated wateris enabled to be delivered from the area 198 of the injector body, tothe brine port and into a brine tank holding material so as to produce abrine solution which can later be introduced to regenerate the resin ina manner like that discussed in connection with the prior embodiment.

When the resin material 120 in the water treatment tank 114 is to beregenerated, the piston 134 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 10.In this position, brine solution produced in the brine tank is drawninto the brine port F due to the opening of the movable valve element164. The brine is drawn through the annular chamber around the centralbody portion 182 of the plug 174 and passes through the fluid passageinto the area 198 of the injector body 171. Water flows from the inlet Athrough the passage 165 and into the chamber 169. From the chamber 169,the water flows through the injector body 171 where it is mixed with thebrine solution and passes downwardly through the tube 122. Theregenerate brine laden water then passes through the bottom of the tube128 through the strainer and upwardly through the resin material 120where it replaces the ions of contaminants that have been removed fromthe water previously treated. The released ions and other contaminantsflow upwardly through the first tank port D and out through the drain Cof the valve. This process is carried out for a sufficient time so as toregenerate the capabilities of the resin to remove undesirable materialsfrom water which is passed therethrough after completion of the resinregeneration cycle. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches and configurations are exemplary and in other embodiments,other configurations and process approaches may be utilized. Further itmay be appreciated that the water treatment application for valve 110and the structures and elements described in connection therewith isonly one of many exemplary applications in which such elements andstructures may be used.

An exemplary water management system will now be described. Severalfunctional block diagrams of example systems are illustrated anddescribed herein for purposes of explanation; however, it is to beunderstood that functionality that is described as being carried out bycertain system components may be performed by multiple components.Similarly, for instance, a component may be configured to performfunctionality that is described as being carried out by multiplecomponents.

For purposes of this disclosure, water conditioners include devices andsystems that are operative to improve the quality of water. Waterconditioners may include water softeners, water filters, waterdisinfecting devices, systems that oxidize contaminants in water andother similar water conditioners and systems. Exemplary embodiments ofsuch water conditioners and the devices associated therewith aredescribed in the following patent applications, the disclosures of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 13/492,391; 14/024,918; 61/986,423;62/069,897; and 62/119,507.

With reference to FIG. 13, an example system 1000 that facilitates watermanagement is illustrated. The water management system 1000 may includea master controller 1020. An example of a master controller that mayhave one or more of the features described herein may be a controllerassociated with the master control valve shown in U.S. Application No.61/986,423 filed Apr. 30, 2014 which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The exemplary master controller 1020 may include one or more processors1040 in operative connection with one or more data stores 1060. As usedherein, a processor corresponds to any electronic device that isconfigured via processor executable instructions in at least one datastore 1160 implemented as hardware circuits, software, firmware, and/orapplications that are operative to enable the processor to process dataand/or carry out other actions. For example, this processor of themaster controller and any other processor described herein maycorrespond to one or more (or a combination) of a microprocessor, CPU,FPGA, ASIC, or any other integrated circuit (IC) or other type ofcircuit that is capable of processing data in a controller, computer,server, or other type of electronic device. Also, it should beappreciated that a data store may correspond to one or more of avolatile or non-volatile memory device, RAM, flash memory, hard drive,SSD, database, and/or any other type of device that is operative tostore data.

The exemplary master controller described herein may also include amaster wireless communication device 1080 that enables the mastercontroller to wirelessly communicate messages with a plurality of slaveassemblies 1100. Such slave assemblies may have a slave controller 1120that includes a corresponding and/or compatible slave wirelesscommunication device 1180 that enables bi-directional communication withthe master communication device 1080.

Such master and slave wireless communication devices may includecomponents having low-power digital radios based on the IEEE 802.15.4standard or other wireless standard. An example may include MiWi®modules provided by Microchip Technologies of Chandler, Ariz. Otherexamples of communication devices that may be used include ZigBeecompatible modules. However, it should be appreciated that inalternative example embodiments alternative and/or additional types ofthe wireless communication devices 1080, 1180 may be used such as thosethat are operative to carry out Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth communications(i.e., devices that are compatible with IEEE 802.11 and/or IEEE 802.15.1standards).

As with the master controller 1020, the exemplary slave controller 1120may include at least one processor 1140 and at least one data store1200. Processor executable instructions 1500 may cause the processor1140 to process data, make control determinations, communicate messagesand/or carry out other actions. The slave assembly 1100 may also includeor be in operative connection with further devices and/or assembliesthat are operative to be controlled by the slave controller responsiveto wireless communications from the master controller 1020. In exemplaryembodiments the devices controlled by slave controllers may includecomponents of water conditioners or other devices as discussedhereafter.

In an example embodiment, each data store of each slave controller mayinclude preprogrammed function data 1200 indicating a respectivefunction of the respective slave controller and the controlled device ordevices with which it is associated, which is considered part of theslave assembly. When the described system is being initially configured(or at other times), the master controller may be operative towirelessly output at least one message to each of the slave controllerswithin range of wireless communications, which messages cause the slavecontrollers associated with the assemblies, which are sometimes referredto herein as devices, to communicate the respective function data 1200back to the master controller 1020. The master controller may then storethe received function data in the data store 1060 in correlated relationwith respective unique network identifiers 1220 (e.g., MAC address, IPaddresses or other unique ID) associated with the respective slavecontrollers 1120 and respective slave controller communications.

FIG. 28 is an exemplary flow chart which shows the high level activitiesexecuted by the master controller and the slave controllers inconnection with the master controller establishing communication withslave controllers, and which is operative to configure the mastercontroller and a respective slave controller to join in the localwireless network controlled by the master controller.

As represented in FIG. 28, in some exemplary embodiments the process ofsearching for and establishing connections with the slave controllersmay be initiated by a user actuating a manual input device such as abutton associated with the master controller. In other exemplaryembodiments, a user interface device such as a separate portable tabletcomputer or other device may be utilized to provide one or more inputsthat cause the master controller to be placed in a search mode. Asdescribed in FIG. 28, the master controller of an exemplary embodimentsends communications wirelessly and receives messages from devices thatrespond. New devices that have not previously been configured tocommunicate with the master controller send data that identifies theirproperties, functionality and/or associated device. Such messages mayalso include identifying data or other data which is indicative ofwhether the device is allowed to join the network. As can beappreciated, certain security features may be applied to the informationthat is communicated to assure that only appropriate devices are allowedto join in the wireless network. Further, communications with thedevices may be encrypted via public key encryption or other suitablemethods for purposes of securing the communications. As represented inFIG. 28, the master controller determines if the slave controller isallowed to join the network based on its functionality and othercredentials. If so, the master controller adds the device to its devicetable and will communicate with the slave controller to indicate that ithas been joined in the network. Alternatively, if the master controllerdetermines that the slave controller does not qualify to be joined inthe network, a message is sent to the slave controller indicating thatit has not been joined in the network. Of course it should be understoodthat the approach represented in FIG. 28 is exemplary and in otherarrangements, other approaches may be used.

In an example embodiment, the master controller is configured (e.g.,programmed) to control each respective slave controller and the devicesin the associated slave assembly based at least in part on the functiondata indicating the respective function of each slave assembly. However,it should be appreciated that even though the master controller isconfigured to control a plurality of slave controllers (and theirrespective devices), the implementation of the described system mayinclude as few as one slave assembly. Such a system may then be modifiedto include additional slave assemblies in order to expand thecapabilities of the water management system.

In some exemplary implementations of the described water managementsystem 1000, at least one of the slave assemblies may be in operativeconnection with a slave device 1600 that functions as a water managementdevice 1320. As used herein, a water management device is a device thatis operative to affect water that is moved through a water network 1240.

Such a water network in a household or other building may include awater source 1260 such as a connection to a well water source,reservoir, cistern, municipal water source, or other water source. Thewater network may also include water plumbing 1280 connected to thewater source such as one or more water pipes through which water flows.In addition, the water network may include one or more water consumptiondevices 1300 connected to the water plumbing such as a facet, a hosebib, a sprinkler system, an ice maker, a washing machine, a dishwasher,a drinking fountain, or any other device that consumes or uses water.

In this described system, the master controller is operative to controlthe at least one slave assembly to cause the water management device tooperate via communication of wireless messages with the at least oneslave assembly. Examples of water management devices 1320 that arecontrolled by one or more slave assemblies may include waterconditioners such as a water softener, a water filter, watersterilization device, contaminant oxidation device, a reverse osmosisdevice, an ultraviolet light treatment device, or any combinationthereof or other devices that may be controlled as part of a slaveassembly which may include valves, a pump, a tank, a water heater, asump pump, a well pump, an ozone generator device, a re-pressure system,a gray water collection and reuse system, irrigation system or otherdevice types including devices that are included in or separate fromwater conditioners.

In these examples, slave assemblies that are adapted to control watermanagement devices via valves included in the slave assembly, may bereferred to herein as slave valve assemblies 1400. Examples of devices1600 that are operated and/or which may have the operative conditionsthereof changed via a valve mechanism in a slave valve assembly, mayinclude a water conditioner such as a softener or a water filter.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the described slaveassemblies may include and/or may be in operative connection to asensor. Such slave assemblies may be referred to herein as slave sensorassemblies 1420. Such sensor assemblies which communicate sensor data tothe master controller are also referred to herein as transceivers. Thesensors in connection with transceivers may be useful in the managementof water in a water network or may be useful for other purposesunrelated to water management. The master controller 1020 may beoperative to communicate and control a slave sensor assembly to retrievedata acquired by the sensor via communication of wireless messages withthe transceiver associated with the sensor. In an example embodiment,such a sensor may include a salt sensor (for a brine tank), a moisturesensor, a water flow sensor, a video camera, a microphone, a motionsensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, an airflow sensor, a powersensor, a voltage sensor, an amperage sensor, a rain gauge, a waterlevel sensor, a radon sensor, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxidedetector, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor or anycombination thereof. It should be understood that sensors may beincluded as part of water conditioners or other devices that are a partof a slave assembly that is controlled responsive to a slave controllerthat is associated with the particular device. Other types of sensorsmay not be integrated with a device that is controlled by a slavecontroller. Such sensors may be in operative connection with atransceiver which is operative to communicate with the master controllerand provide messages including data that corresponds to one or moreproperties that are sensed through operation of the sensor. It shouldalso be understood that such slave sensor assemblies may includeprocessors, data stores and other capabilities that enable the sensorassembly to store, analyze, selectively report or otherwise providecapabilities related to sensed values in addition to sending messagesthat include data corresponding to sensed parameters.

In addition, some slave assemblies may include slave controllers adaptedto control the supply of water to water management devices 1320 (orother devices 1340) via a relay included in and/or in operativeconnection with the slave assembly. As used herein, such slaveassemblies may be referred to as slave relay assemblies 1440. Exemplaryrelays may be operative to control the delivery of electricity to orwithdrawal of electricity from devices that operate in response toelectrical power. It should be understood that in some exemplaryembodiments, relays may change condition between supplying and notsupplying power to a device. However, in other arrangements, relays mayoperate to change the nature of the electrical power supplied such aschanging the voltage, amperage or other electrical properties of powerdelivered so as to control an electrical device. Examples of slavedevices 1600 that may be controlled via a relay of a slave relayassembly may include a light source, a sound output device, a pump, aheater, a compressor, a motor, and/or any electrical device that can beoperated or controlled through operation of a relay.

In addition it should be appreciated that some slave devices 1600 may becontrolled via a secondary interface that is included in and/or inoperative connection with the slave assembly. For example, other typesof slave devices 1340 may include an external or remote electronicdevice such as a TV, home entertainment system, security system, aceiling fan, or a home automation system, that are controlled via aninfrared (IR) output, an RF output or other interface communication. Inthis example a slave assembly may include an interface component such asan IR/RF output device and/or an IR/RF remote control (and/or a wiredcontroller), that is operative to output appropriate signals to controlthe slave device responsive to wireless signals from the mastercontroller 1020. In these examples, slave assemblies that are adapted tocontrol external and/or remote devices via an interface included in orin operative connection with a slave assembly, are referred to herein asslave interface assemblies 1460.

In example implementations, a typical water management system mayinclude at least one water conditioner such as a water softener and/or awater filter. FIG. 14 illustrates a functional block diagram of a watermanagement system 2000 having a slave assembly 1100 that is configuredas a slave valve assembly 240. In this example, the slave valve assemblyis operative to control a water conditioner 210 such as a water softener220 or a water filter 222. Water conditioners may be alternativelyreferred to herein as water treatment devices.

As discussed previously, the slave assembly includes a slave controller202 having at least one processor 204, at least one data store 206, andat least one slave wireless communication device 208 that enables theslave controller to wirelessly communicate messages with the mastercontroller. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the exemplary slavevalve assembly 240 further includes at least one motor 212 in operativeconnection with the slave controller. Also, the slave valve assembly 240includes a valve 214 in operative connection with the motor 212 (e.g.,via one or more gears). In this example, the master controller isoperative to individually control one or more of the slave valveassemblies 240 to cause the respective slave controller 202 to cause therespective motor 212 to operate the respective valve element of valve214 of each respective slave valve assembly via communication ofwireless messages with each of the slave valve assemblies. In someexemplary embodiments, the exemplary valve may include a multi-portvalve associated with a tank of a water conditioner like that describedpreviously and in the incorporated disclosures. The tank may includefilter media, ion exchange media, oxidation media or other types ofmaterials or components as appropriate for the particular type of waterconditioner. In the exemplary arrangement, the slave controller isoperative to cause one or more valve elements such as a piston to beselectively positioned responsive to the slave controller. In exemplaryembodiments, selectively positioning the piston or other valve elementis operative to cause water to flow through selected passages orpassageways associated with the valve. The selected flow through thevalve is operative to place the valve and the water conditioner invarious operational conditions. For example, in exemplary embodiments,valves may be placed in a service condition in which water to be treatedenters the valve and passes through the tank so as to be treated. Thewater that has been conditioned by passing through the tank then passesback through the valve and is delivered to a water network connectionwhich causes the conditioned water to be delivered to a water networkfor use by water consuming devices.

In some exemplary embodiments, the slave controller can cause the one ormore valve elements to be positioned so as to cause the valve to placethe conditioner in one or more regeneration conditions. A regenerationcondition corresponds to a condition in which the function performed bythe water conditioner is improved. This may include, for example, in thecase of a water softener, regenerating the ion exchange media so as tomore effectively carry out ion exchange. In some exemplary arrangementsa regeneration may include a backflush condition wherein water is passedthrough filter media in a direction opposed from the normal filteringdirection so as to remove contaminants from the filter media. In otherexemplary arrangements, the regeneration condition may correspond todisinfecting media or components of the system. In still other exemplaryarrangements, a regeneration condition may correspond to replenishingoxidizing material in the tank or otherwise positioning the valve in oneor more conditions which may be operative to cause the water conditionerto undergo regeneration as appropriate for the particular waterconditioning device. In some exemplary arrangements, the valve may besequentially placed in a plurality of different regeneration conditionsso as to enable regeneration of the water conditioner.

In some exemplary arrangements, the one or more valve elements of thevalve may be positioned so as to be placed in a shutoff condition. Sucha shutoff condition may correspond to the valve passageways beingconfigured so that water is not passed through the valve to the tankand/or water from the tank is not delivered from the valve. Such ashutoff condition may enable turning off the water conditioning deviceand/or separating the water conditioning device from other components ofthe system.

In still other exemplary arrangements, the valve element may bepositioned responsive to the slave controller so as to place the valvein a bypass condition. In such a bypass condition, untreated water ispassed into and out of the valve without passing through the tank so asto condition the water. Such a bypass condition may be appropriate insituations where the current water use activity does not requireconditioning or in other appropriate circumstances.

Of course it should be understood that these conditions of the valvewhich are described in detail previously and in the incorporateddisclosures are exemplary of operative conditions which waterconditioning devices may have in responsive to operation of a slavecontroller. It should be understood that these operative conditions areexemplary and in other arrangements, other arrangements andconfigurations may be used.

An example embodiment of the slave assembly associated with a waterconditioner may include at least one water meter 216 in operativeconnection with the slave controller 202. The water meter 216 may beoperative to take water flow measurements based at least in part onwater flowing through the at least one water treatment device 210. Theat least one master controller 1020 is operative to wirelessly receivemessages including data based on the water flow measurements from theslave controller 202. In addition, the master controller may beconfigured to wirelessly communicate at least some wireless messages tothe slave controller associated with the valve assembly 240 of the atleast one water treatment device 210 responsive to the data based on thereceived water flow measurements.

For example, with respect to a water treatment device such as a watersoftener, the master controller may operate in accordance with itsprogrammed instructions, data from the water meter and stored data todetermine that the water conditioner should be placed in a regenerationcondition. Responsive to the determination, the master controllerwirelessly communicates messages that cause the valve assembly of thewater softener to change operational conditions to carry out aregeneration process based on water flow measurements from the watermeter. In this example, the master controller may cause the valve tochange the operational condition to initiate a regeneration process whenthe number of gallons of water that have been softened (as measured bythe water meter) since the last regeneration process has exceeded apredetermined threshold. In other exemplary embodiments, the mastercontroller may operate responsive to data received from sensors or otherdevices that communicate via slave controllers and/or transceivers todetermine a need for a water conditioner to undergo a regenerationprocess.

For example in some arrangements, measurements of contaminants in watermay be detected through operation of sensors and the data communicatedvia wireless messages to the master controller. The master controllermay operate in accordance with its programming to analyze the data andcompare current data to program or stored data which is indicative of aneed for the water conditioner to undergo regeneration steps. Responsiveto making the determination, the master controller may then cause theoperational condition of one or more valves to be changed to accomplishsuch regeneration. Further, it should be understood that in exemplaryarrangements, the master controller may cause the slave controller andassociated valves or other devices to undergo a series of operations inorder to accomplish regeneration of the water conditioning device. Thismay include, for example, the water conditioning device being subject tooperational conditions such as backflow, purge, rinse, disinfect,introduce sterilization materials, delay, purge or other operationalconditions associated with the particular regeneration process.

FIGS. 30 and 31 represent a logic flow carried out in connection with anexemplary water conditioner which in this case is a water softener. Asrepresented in this exemplary logic flow, water flow is measured throughoperation of the water meter and messages including data regarding theflow of water is communicated by the slave controller associated withthe water softener to the master controller. The master controlleroperates in accordance with its programming to determine if the volumeof water that has been conditioned through operation of the watersoftener has reached a level where regeneration of resin exchange mediaused in connection with the water softener is required. This is done inaccordance with the programming of the master controller oralternatively may be carried out in connection with programmingassociated with the slave controller or both.

Responsive to determining that the water flow conditions and otherconditions have been met to cause the water softener to undergo aregeneration cycle, the master controller is operative to send messagesto the slave controller which operate to change the operationalcondition of the valve. The slave controller operates responsive to thewireless messages from the master controller to operate the motor andcause the valve to be changed by moving the one or more valve elementsto a position corresponding to a regeneration condition. In theexemplary embodiment, the valve associated with the water softenerincludes an optical encoder or other suitable sensor for determining theposition of the valve element. The slave controller is in operativeconnection with the positioning sensor and determines based on signalsfrom the sensor, the position of the particular valve element. In theexemplary embodiment the slave controller is operative to send messagesto the master controller indicating that the valve element has beenmoved to a particular position corresponding to an operational conditionof the valve.

In the exemplary embodiment the messages indicating that the valve haschanged to the desired regeneration condition, causes the mastercontroller to begin operating a timing function. The timing function isselected based on the particular regeneration cycle associated with theparticular regeneration step which the water softener is to undergo. Atthe completion of the time associated with the timing function, theprogramming associated with the master controller makes a determinationthat the water softener valve is to be moved to cause the water softenerto be in a different regeneration operational condition. In response tomaking this determination, the master controller sends wireless messagesto the slave controller which causes the valve element to change thecondition. Again a sensor associated with the valve is operative tosense the position of the valve element and to cause the slavecontroller to send messages to the master controller to indicate thatthe valve has now changed the softener to the second operationalcondition associated with regeneration of the water softener.

In the exemplary embodiment three different operational conditions areassociated with the regeneration of the ion exchange media associatedwith the water softener. The master controller operates in accordancewith its programming to cause the water softener to be in theseregeneration conditions for timed periods appropriate for each of thesethree steps. At the completion of the regeneration steps, the mastercontroller then operates in accordance with its programming to sendwireless messages which cause the slave controller to change the valveand cause the softener to be in the service condition in which water isagain conditioned by being passed through the associated water softenertank. The sensor associated with the valve element also verifies thatthe valve has been returned to the position associated with the servicecondition and the water softener is properly returned to the treatmentcondition. Of course it should be understood that these particular stepsrepresented in FIGS. 30 and 31 are exemplary and for other types ofwater conditioners or other devices, other or different steps may beused.

Also, as discussed previously, depending on the type of water treatmentdevice, the data store 206 of the slave controller may be configured(when manufactured) to include function data 224 representative of thefunctions that the water treatment device is intended to carry out.Thus, a water treatment device in the form of a water softener may havefunction data stored in the data store 206 that indicates that the slavevalve assembly controls a water softener type control valve. Also, awater treatment device in the form of a water filter may have functiondata 224 stored in the data store 206 that indicates that the slavevalve assembly controls water filter type control valves. Such functiondata enables the master controller to use the appropriate programmingneeded to operate the corresponding type of water treatment device. Inaddition, as previously discussed, slave controllers may also includedata that is usable to identify the particular slave controller as onethat is authorized to communicate with the master controller and operateas part of the system. Such identification data may include digitalcertificate data or other data that helps to assure that onlyappropriate devices are authorized to communicate in the system.Further, such slave controllers may be configured to use encryption orother methodologies to help assure that the system is secure. Forexample, public key encryption methodologies including the loading anduse of digital certificates in the data stores of the controllers orother techniques may help secure the messages between the mastercontroller and the slave controllers in some exemplary embodiments tohelp provide enhanced security. Of course it should be understood thatthese approaches are exemplary and in other arrangements, otherapproaches may be used.

In an example embodiment, the valve 214 of the slave valve assembly ofthe at least one water treatment device includes or corresponds to amulti-port valve such as valve 10 and valve 110 previously discussed.Such a multi-port valve may be placed in a plurality of differentconfigurations or states via operation of the motor 212. Some exemplaryvalves in such different states may cause the water treatment device tocarry out different functions depending on the type of the watertreatment device. For example, a water softener type of valve indifferent configurations/states may place the water softener indifferent operational conditions such as a service condition to softenwater from a supply and deliver the treated water to a connection to awater network; a shut off condition to prevent water to flow from eithera supply of untreated water or softened water; one or more regenerationconditions to regenerate the water softener, a bypass condition and/orcarry out other actions. In exemplary arrangements, regeneration of thewater softener may be in several different positions/states of the watervalve in order to carry out the different operations included in aregeneration process (e.g., flushing resin beads in a resin tank with abrine solution, backflushing the resin tank, and/or other actions thatenable the softener to improve its operation softening water). It shouldalso be noted that the master controller may be configured to sendwireless communications to the slave controller which cause the valve tochange the water softener between these different operationalconditions.

Examples of water softener multi-port control valves that may be adaptedfor use in exemplary slave valve assemblies may be similar to thosepreviously described herein or as shown in U.S. Application Nos.61/986,423 and/or 62/119,507 the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Such a multi-port valve has ahousing that includes an axially movable piston and several ports (e.g.,an untreated water inlet port, a treated water outlet port, a drainport, a port to a resin tank, and ports to and from a brine tank). Themotor associated with valve assembly is operative to move the pistonbetween a plurality of different positions in the housing; differentpositions form different water pathways between the ports in thehousing. Further, exemplary embodiments include sensors such as opticalencoders or other sensors that are operative to sense the position ofvalve elements or otherwise indicate a current configuration of thevalve.

Also, it should be appreciated that other types and configurations ofsoftener type valve mechanisms may be adapted to include the featuresdescribed herein of a slave valve assembly. It should also be noted thatan example method may include modifying an existing water softener by:removing an existing control valve mechanism (which does not interfacewith the described master controller) from an existing resin tank; andinstalling one of the described slave valve assemblies (which doesinterface with the described master controller) to the existing resintank. The method may also include installing the described mastercontroller within wireless range of the slave valve controller in orderto enable the master controller to cause the water softener to operateto soften water. The new slave controller and valve positioning assemblymay then be connected with and operate in coordinated relation with themaster controller in a manner like that previously described.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment of the described watermanagement system 300, which includes the previously described mastercontroller 1020 and one or more slave assemblies 1100. This exampleembodiment includes a user interface device 302 that is operative towirelessly communicate with the master controller. Here the userinterface device may include at least one processor 304. Processorexecutable instructions 314 may executed by the at least one processorto cause the processor to process data and carry out other actions. Theuser interface device may also include at least one data store 306 (RAM,flash memory, SSD), and at least one wireless communication device 308(e.g., a Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth radio). The user interface device mayalso include at least one display device 310 (e.g., LCD, AMOLEDdisplays) and at least one input device 312 (touch screen, physicalkeys, track pad, mouse). In an example embodiment, such a user interfacedevice may correspond to a tablet type device (e.g., an Apple iPad,Apple Ipod touch, Google Nexus 9), a mobile phone, (e.g., an AppleiPhone, Google Nexus 6), a notebook computer, a desktop computer, or anyother device that may be operative to wirelessly communicate with themaster controller. In these examples, the master wireless communicationdevice of the master controller may include a module capable of sendingand receiving Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi and/or Bluetoothcommunications (or multiple communication types) with one or more userinterface devices.

In an example embodiment, the user interface device may include computerexecutable instructions in at least one data store comprising anapplication (such as a water management application) that isspecifically programmed to cause the processor in the user interfacedevice to display information from the master controller and to sendcommands to the master controller. For example, such an application maydisplay status information associated with the water softener (e.g.,number of gallons used per day), any warnings associated with devices(e.g., low salt in a brine tank), and/or any other information that isavailable from the master controller responsive to wireless messagesfrom the master controller.

Also, for example, the described water management application may causeoutputs on the display of the device of one or more selectable optionsthat can be selected through use of an input device of the userinterface in order to send a wireless command to the master controllerto take some action. Such an action may involve the master controllersending a further wireless message to a slave assembly, which in turncauses an associated slave device to carry out a function.

For example, a water softener may be adapted to change from a currentservice mode of operation to another mode of operation (via operation ofthe valve) in which all water output from the water softener is eithershut off (prevented) or turned back on (permitted). The slave valveassembly of the water softener may be configured to operate the valve ofthe slave valve assembly to selectively permit and prevent water to flowto the water network, responsive to wireless messages received from themaster controller. The application on the user interface device mayinclude a selectable option to shut off water to a user's house. Whenthis option is selected, the user interface device causes at least onewireless message to be sent to the master controller. The mastercontroller responsive to the at least one message from the userinterface may cause at least one further wireless message to becommunicated from the master controller to the slave valve assembly ofthe water softener, which causes the water softener to change betweenthe modes which permit or prevent water from the water softener to flowto the water network of the house.

FIGS. 32 and 33 show an exemplary user interface device 302 which inthis exemplary embodiment comprises a tablet computing device. Theexemplary interface device is removably positioned in a pocket withinthe top area of a cabinet 428. The exemplary cabinet 428 is configuredto house water conditioning equipment such as a water softener, a waterfilter, a brine tank or other water conditioning apparatus. Theexemplary cabinet 428 includes a pocket 432 shown without the userinterface device in FIG. 34 which is sized to releasably accept the userinterface device therein. Further, the exemplary cabinet furtherincludes a pocket 430 shown in FIG. 35 that is sized to accept a mastercontroller 1020 therein which is represented in FIG. 32. In exemplaryarrangements, the cabinet includes electrical connectors or contacts inthe respective pockets that enable charging the batteries in the mastercontroller and the user interface. In alternative exemplaryarrangements, the pockets may include inductive coils adjacent theretoor other suitable devices which can be used to contactlessly provideelectrical power to the user interface device and/or the mastercontroller. Of course it should be understood that these Figures areexemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

Exemplary cabinet 428 further includes a door 434 which is shown in anopen condition in FIG. 35. The door 434 may be used to access theinterior of the cabinet and the water conditioning equipment therein.For example, the door may be opened to enable a user to add salt to abrine tank. In other embodiments the door may be used for purposes ofchanging filter media or for other purposes. The exemplary cabinet 428further includes a translucent window 436. In exemplary embodiments, thetranslucent window may be utilized for purposes of allowing a user toview externally illumination type indicators associated with equipmentlocated inside the cabinet. For example in some exemplary arrangements,light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be associated with a circuit boardassociated with valves or other components. The LEDs may providedifferent color or other indications which indicate the particularcondition of the device. For example, in some arrangements, the LEDs mayflash certain colors or in certain patterns to indicate that the watervalve is in particular conditions. In exemplary arrangements a user maybe able to tell the current condition of the equipment within thecabinet by viewing the appearance of the window 436. Further inexemplary arrangements, outputs from the interface device 302 may alsocorrespond to the indications given by the device. Thus a user viewingthe interface device may through appropriate inputs, view the particularoutputs that correspond to those outputs that are visible through thewindow to understand that the equipment within the cabinet is in thecondition indicated on the screen of the interface device. Alternativelyor in addition, such visible outputs may be used to indicatemalfunctions or needs for remedial actions. Of course these approachesare exemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement, the master controller and the interfacedevice may be placed in operative communication by a user of the waterconditioner system. This may be done for example when a user decides toupgrade a water conditioner system to incorporate a user interfacedevice. Alternatively such a procedure may be done when a user hasdecided to incorporate an additional interface device into their system.FIG. 29 schematically represents the logic flow associated with anexemplary arrangement where the master controller commences operation inconnection with the user interface device. In this exemplaryarrangement, a user presses a button or other manual input device on themaster controller 1020. In response to this action, the mastercontroller operates in accordance with its programming to store itscurrent settings. The master controller then operates to set up a softaccess point on a predetermined port. The user then operatively connectsthe user interface device which in this case is a tablet, to the WiFiaccess port. This is done through operation of the user interface deviceoperating an application that is configured with the soft access pointutilized by the master controller. The application also includes or isable to resolve the connection settings which enable the user interfacedevice to communicate with the master controller.

Once the user interface device has operatively connected with the mastercontroller, the user is enabled to use the interface device to interactwith the master controller. Through inputs through the touch screen orother user interface on the tablet, the user can change settings, viewdata and send commands to the master controller. Such commands mayinclude shutting off certain devices, placing devices in a bypasscondition or otherwise controlling slave assemblies and the associateddevices that are connected in the wireless system with the mastercontroller. In response to inputs made by a user through the userinterface device, the master controller is operative to receive themessages and then cause wireless command messages to be sent to therespective slave controllers to carry out the commands or otherwisechange the operational conditions thereof.

In the exemplary embodiment once the user has completed the changes tothe devices of the system through inputs of the user interface device,the user is enabled to sign off the user interface application.Responsive to the user indicating that it has ceased making changes tothe system, the messages from the user interface device are operative tocause the master controller to revert to its original WiFi settings.This enables the master controller to be communicated with in itsoriginal WiFi configuration. Alternatively or in addition, exemplaryarrangements may enable the application that operates on the userinterface device and/or the master controller to maintain the operativeconnection with the user interface device as part of the configurationsettings for the master controller. This enables the user interfacedevice to be utilized to control the system without the need to furtherinitialize communications between such devices.

Further in other exemplary arrangements, the master controller may beoperative to communicate with devices other than a dedicated tabletcomputer associated with the water management system. For example insome exemplary arrangements, the user interface device may include aportable user device that operates either in the local area network orconnected networks that can be accessed by the master controller, oralternatively devices that may be connected through the mastercontroller through a wide area network.

In the example described above, such a selectable option to turn offwater to a household network is something that may optimally be donewhen the user is traveling on a vacation or business trip via using auser interface device in the form of a mobile phone (or other portableuser device). When the user returns, the user may use the user interfacedevice comprising the mobile phone, tablet (or other device) to selectthe selectable option that causes water to be turned back on in thehousehold.

It should also be appreciated that in additional or alternativeembodiments, the master controller may be operative to communicate witha user interface that does not include a programmed applicationdedicated to interfacing with the master controller. Rather, the mastercontroller may include and/or be in operative connection with a webserver that is operative to output web pages that provide the statusinformation and the user selectable options such as those discussedpreviously through a web browser of the user interface device.

It should also be appreciated that regardless of whether a dedicatedapplication or a web services application is used to interface with themaster controller, each of these methods may require user authentication(via user ids, passwords, certificates) and may use encryptedcommunication protocols (e.g., HTTPs). In these examples, the mastercontroller may be operative to connect with (and/or pair) with a userinterface directly in a peer to peer Wi-Fi, NFC or Bluetooth mode.However, it should also be appreciated that the master controller mayalso be configurable to log into an existing Wi-Fi LAN in order toenable wired or wireless devices on the LAN to be operative tocommunicate with the master controller.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the master controller may beoperative to be controlled via user interfaces that are outside the LAN,such as a mobile phone connected to the Internet outside a home orfacility where the master controller is located. In order to provideaccess to the master controller from outside the LAN, a router-firewallassociated with the LAN could be configured to open one or more portsthat facilitate communicate between the user interface device and themaster controller. However, in another embodiment, to avoid requiringfirewall ports to be opened on a LAN in this manner, the mastercontroller may be configured to continuously or periodically opencommunications with a remote server on the Internet. The remote servermay be accessible by user interface devices on the Internet and providea conduit to pass communications between the master controller and theuser interfaces. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

This described exemplary remote server may provide communications formany master controllers in different homes or other buildings. Theremote server may include storage media including computer executableinstructions including a server management application that provides webaccessible user accounts associated with one or more master controllers.One or more master controllers may then be paired to a particular useraccount via the input of a pair code at the master controller and/or theserver management application. The previously described applicationexecuted on the user interface device may then log into the remoteserver with a user account user id and password or other authorizedcredentials in order to be able to access the status information andselectable options that are available with the paired master controllerassociated with the user account.

As discussed previously, example embodiments of the water managementsystem may include a water meter that is operative to measure an amountof a water flow. Such a water meter may be integrated into one of theslave assemblies. For example, a slave valve assembly for a watersoftener or a water filter may include a water meter that is operativeto generate water flow measurements with respect to water flowing out oftreated water ports of the valve mechanism of the slave valve assembly.In some embodiments the water meter may measure water volume, currentwater flow rate or both.

In addition, the master controller may include a clock application thatis operative to output clock data usable by the master controller todetermine the current time, date, and/or day of the week. With suchclock data, the master controller may be configured to: calculate; storein the data store; and report water volume usage for one or moredifferent time periods to the user interface device responsive to thedata based on the water flow measurements. Also, with such clock data,the master controller may be configured to determine a water usagepattern with respect to time responsive to the data based on the waterflow measurements. The master controller may then take one or moreactions responsive to a determination by the master controller thatcurrent data based on the water flow measurements is higher than thedetermined water usage pattern. For example, the master controller maybe operative to compare data based on current water flow measurements toaverages of data stored in the data store that are based on past waterflow measurements in order to determine that there is a deviationbetween current and past water usage that is indicative of a problem. Insome arrangements the master controller may compare current flow ratesto pattern flow rate, volume usage over a period of time to volume usageover a similar time in the pattern, or other flow properties.

On some embodiments, the master controller may be configured toautomatically send at least one wireless message to the slave controllerof a water softener (or other slave valve assembly), to control the flowof water (e.g., to control the flow of water either to the at least onewater softener; from the at least one water softener; or a combinationthereof) responsive to a determination by the master controller thatcurrent data based on the water flow measurements is not consistent withthe determined water usage pattern. For example, the master controllermay cause the water valve to move to a shut off condition.

In addition or alternatively, the master controller may be operative tocause a warning message regarding the detected unusual water usagepattern, to the previously described user interface device and/or to aportable user device such as a smart phone or via other methods such asby sending an SMS message and/or an e-mail. In such embodiments, atelephone number or e-mail address to send the warning message to theportable user device may be stored in the data store of the mastercontroller.

For example, the master controller may be operative responsive to itsprogramming to determine that current water usage level from a waterconditioner is more than a predetermined threshold percentage (e.g., 50%or other percentage threshold) compared to an average water usage over aperiod of the last month. When such a large rate of flow is detected,the master controller may be operative to wirelessly communicate awarning message to the user interface device and/or to send a message toa portable user device (or via an SMS message or e-mail) that warns theuser of the significant rate of water usage.

Such an increase in water usage may be normal (such as when a pool isbeing filled or a lawn is being watered, or siding is being washed) andthe user receiving the warning may choose to take no action. However, ifsoftened water is not necessary for the water use activity, such aswatering a lawn, then the user may choose to take some action with thewater management system via the user interface device or using a user'sportable user device.

For example, a water softener may be adapted to change from a currentmode of operation to another mode of operation (via operation of thevalve mechanism) in which water output from the water softener ischanged between either softened water (e.g., water processed by watersoftener) or non-softened water (e.g., water from a well that has notbeen processed by the water softener). The slave controller of the watersoftener may be configured to cause the valve to selectively switch to abypass operational condition, in which the valve changes from deliveringsoftened water to non-softened water to the water network, responsive towireless messages received from the master controller.

The exemplary application on the user interface device may include aselectable option to switch from delivering softened water tonon-softened water and vice versa, to the water network of a user'shouse. When one or more inputs to the user interface device are providedselecting the option causes wireless messages to be sent to the mastercontroller, which causes a further wireless message to be communicatedfrom the master controller to the slave controller of the watersoftener, which causes the water softener to change between theconditions which provide either softened or non-softened water from thevalve to flow to the water network connection of the house.

In the case of watering a lawn, for example, the user may provide inputscorresponding to the user selectable option of a user interface deviceto cause the water softener to switch to outputting non-softened wellwater to the water network. When the user is done watering the lawn, theuser may provide inputs to the user interface device to select theselectable option that causes the water softener change its operationalcondition to deliver softened water again.

Also, it should be noted that if the user receives a warning via theuser interface device or to a portable user device (such as text messageor e-mail), regarding an unusual increase in water usage, the user maynot know a reason for this increase. In such cases, there may be abroken pipe or a watering hose may have been left on inadvertently. Insuch circumstances, the user may operate the user interface device ofthe portable user device as described previously to cause the water tobe turned off in the house (via the valve in the water softener) inorder to minimize damage to the house and/or the loss of excessiveamounts of water.

An example embodiment of the master controller may be operative inaccordance with its programming to compare data based on current waterflow measurements to data stored in the data store based on past waterflow measurements in order to make determinations as to appropriatethresholds for water usage conditions that may correspond to problemsthat should be reported to a user. For example, large fluctuations ofwater usage on a weekly or monthly basis may be normal for a householdin which individuals are traveling frequently. In such cases the mastercontroller may analyze such data and may calculate when to trigger awarning regarding excessive water usage based on historical peak waterusage instead of historical average water usage.

In addition, an example embodiment of the master controller may beoperative to evaluate water flow data in order to determine the presenceof periodic changes in water flow that may be indicative of a toiletwith a leaking flap valve. For example, a toilet with a leaky flap valvemay continually leak water which causes the toilet to refill its tankwith water every couple of hours, day and night of every day. Thus,every few hours the flow meter of a slave valve assembly may measure theusage of 1-3 gallons of water on a consistent periodic basis. The mastercontroller may be operative to detect such periodic water flow usage andcause a wireless message to be sent to the user interface device or aportable user device (such as an SMS or e-mail message) which warns auser of a possible leaky toilet. Data corresponding to other types ofanomalies may be stored in connection with the master controller so thatwhen such conditions occur the probable cause can be identified andreported through a user interface device.

In addition, an example embodiment of the master controller may beconfigurable by a user to select between different methods and/orthreshold percentages for when the master controller makes adetermination to send a warning regarding excessive or undesirable waterusage. The previously described application for the user interfacedevice (or the master controller provided web interface pages) mayinclude a settings screen in which settings regarding alarms, warnings,thresholds and other configuration parameters for the master controllercan be changed via user inputs to the user interface device and/or aportable user device.

In addition, the master controller may be operative to store data in thedata store representative calendar data, such as the dates and times(which may include certain days of the week, months of the year orparticular years) at which certain actions should be taken (such asmodifying a water flow). The master controller may be configured to sendat least one wireless message to the slave controller of a watersoftener (or other slave assembly), to control the flow of water to theat least one water softener from the at least one water softener or acombination thereof, responsive to a current time and the calendar data.For example, the master controller may be operative to store datarepresentative of a date and time in the data store regarding times whenthe master controller is to cause water to be shut off or turned backon. This may be for example programmed time periods when the house orother facility is scheduled to be unoccupied. Further, such date andtimes may specify when the master controller is to cause a switchbetween the output of softened water and non-softened water.

It should also be appreciated that example embodiments of the describedwater management system may include further slave valve assemblies inaddition to the slave valve assemblies associated with a water softeneror a water filter. Such further slave valve assemblies may be operableto control the flow of water for at least one of: to or from, the atleast one water softener device responsive to wireless messages receivedfrom the master controller. In addition, the master controller may beconfigured to wirelessly communicate at least some wireless messages tothe further slave valve assemblies responsive to the data based on thewater flow measurements received from the water softener or other slaveassembly.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a water management system 400may include two water treatment devices 402, 404 (such as two watersofteners or two water filters or other types of water conditioners) inorder to increase the amount of water that may be treated in a givenamount of time. Alternatively, such water conditioners may be used sothat water can be conditioned by one water conditioner while the otherwater conditioner undergoes regeneration. Each of these water treatmentdevices may include respective slave valve assemblies 406, 408, whicheach include slave controllers, motors, valves and other components aspreviously discussed.

In order to manage the operation of the two water treatment devices(such as with respect to timing and water routing), this exemplarysystem may include at least one further valve (such as a shuttle valve)that is operative to selectively provide untreated water to therespective valve mechanism of the two water treatment devices. Examplesof arrangements of water treatment devices and a further valve havingone or more of the features described herein include the manifold andbypass valve assemblies shown in U.S. Application No. 61/986,423 filedApr. 30, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

In this example, the described further valve may be packaged as part ofa further slave assembly 410. Although the valve type of the furthervalve (e.g., a shuttle valve) may be different than the valve types ofthe water treatment devices (e.g., multi-port control valves), each ofthese three slave valve assemblies may be individually controlled by themaster controller 1020 through wireless communications. In particular,the further slave valve assembly 410 may be configured to selectivelydirect untreated water from a water source 412 to at least one of thefirst water treatment device, the second water treatment device, or acombination thereof responsive to wireless messages received from themaster controller 1020.

For example, by controlling the flow of water via the further slavevalve assembly 410 to selectively each of two water softeners, themaster controller is operative to cause one water softener to outputsoftened water to the water network while the other carries out aregeneration process. Also, the master controller may determine when tooperate the further slave valve assembly to change the flow of water tocause the other water softener to operate based at least in part on thewater flow measurements received from a water meter associated with thecurrently operating water softener (or other water treatment devices).

Also, it should be appreciated that the further slave valve assembly 410may be integrated or connected with a manifold 414 that is operative toprovide input and output pipes for each of the water treatment devices,a common untreated water source connection 412 and a common water output416 (connected to the water network of the building). In addition, withthe arrangement shown in FIG. 16, it should be noted that the input andoutput ports 420, 422 on the second slave valve assembly 408 may be inreversed positions relative to the input and output 424, 426 ports onthe first slave valve assembly 406. Thus, the master controller may beoperative to operate each respective water treatment device differentlybased on the manner in which the input and output pipes are configured.

In this regard, each of the exemplary three slave valve assemblies 406,408, and 410 may be programmed with function data in order to enable themaster controller to determine how to control the respective valvesproperly. For example, with respect to dual water treatment devices inthe form of water softeners, the slave valve assembly 406 of the firstwater softener 402 may include function data representative of a forwardflow softener. Also, the slave valve assembly 408 of the second watersoftener 404 may include function data representative of a reverse flowsoftener valve. Further, the further slave valve assembly 410 mayinclude function data representative of a shuttle type valve.

As discussed previously, example embodiments of the water managementsystem may include sensors that are operative to connect and report datato the master controller. Such sensors may be configured as part ofslave assemblies. Sensors may also be connected with transceivers thatcommunicate sensor data to the master controller (referred toalternatively herein as a slave sensor assembly 1420 as illustrated inFIG. 13.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a water management system 500 that includesa slave sensor assembly 540 having a salt sensor 510 for use in a brinetank 512. Such a brine tank may be operative to supply a brine solutionto a water softener 220 during the regeneration phase of the watersoftener. Example arrangements of a brine sensor in a brine tank that isconnected to a water softener that may have one or more of the featuresdescribed herein are shown in U.S. Application No. 61/986,423 filed Apr.30, 2014 which is incorporated hereby by reference in its entirety.

As shown in FIG. 17, the described slave sensor assembly 540 may includeat least one slave controller 502 and may be in operative connectionwith a salt sensor that is operative to determine data based on a levelof salt in the brine tank. As discussed previously, the slave controllermay include at least one processor 504, a data store 506, and a slavewireless communication device 508. The slave wireless communicationdevice 508 enables the slave controller 502 of the slave sensor assemblyto wirelessly communicate messages with the master controller. Themaster controller is thus operative to wirelessly receive messages fromthe slave controller that include data based on the level of salt in thebrine tank 512. Responsive to the messages from slave sensor assembly,the master controller may be operative to send wireless communicationsto the user interface device 302 that cause the display device of theuser interface device to output visual data based on the level of saltin the brine tank.

In an example embodiment, the salt sensor may be configured to make abinary determination regarding the salt level, such as whether the levelof salt is or is not low. The master controller may be configured toquery the slave sensor assembly in a manner that causes the slave sensorassembly to return data regarding whether the level of salt is low or isnot low. One or more visual outputs on the display screen of the userinterface device 302 may similarly reflect whether the level of salt inthe brine tank is low or is not low. When the level of salt is low, theuser interface device 302 may be configured to display a warning messagethat encourages a user to add more salt to the brine tank.

However, it should also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments,the salt sensor 510 may be operative to detect more detailed informationsuch as data that indicates a relative level of how much salt iscurrently remaining in the brine tank (e.g., a full level of salt, amedium level of salt, and a low level of salt). In this alternativeembodiment, the slave sensor assembly may be operative to send messagesto the master controller that include data based on the detected amountof salt, and the user interface may be operative to output indicia on adisplay that is indicative of several different levels of the amount ofsalt in the brine tank.

Also, in another embodiment, the master controller may be operative todetermine an estimate of the amount of salt that remains in the brinetank responsive to the number of regeneration cycles that have beencarried out by the water softener. Further, a water managementapplication operating in the user interface device may enable a user toinput to the user interface device data indicative of the amount of saltthat is added each time the brine tank is filled with additional salt.The master controller may be operative to use this data to moreaccurately determine the amount of salt that is used to carry outregeneration processes before the salt sensor indicates that the levelof salt is low. With this additional data, the master controller may beoperative to provide a user interface with a relatively more accurateindication regarding the remaining level of salt in a brine tank. Also,the master controller may be operative to send communications to thewireless user interface device and/or to a portable user device (such asmessages via SMS and/or email) to warn a user when salt may need to beadded before the salt sensor indicates that the level of salt in thebrine tank is low. The amount of time such a warning is provided beforethe level of salt is indicated to be low by the salt sensor may be aparameter that is configurable by the user interface device for themaster controller.

However, it should be understood that while in some embodiments thebrine sensor may operate in connection with a separate slave assemblythat communicates with the master controller, in other embodiments thebrine sensor may be integrated with the slave assembly associated withthe water softener. In such embodiments, the slave controller associatedwith the motor, valve, water meter and other components of the watersoftener may also be in operative connection with the brine sensor. Insuch embodiments, the slave controller associated with the watersoftener is operative to communicate messages including data forresponding to data sensed through operation of the brine sensor inmessages communicated from the slave controller of the water softener tothe master controller. Of course these approaches are exemplary and itshould be understood that various embodiments may include slavecontrollers that are associated with numerous different sensors andcontrol devices while in other arrangements sensors may be combined withtransceivers to provide sensing communications that may be usable by themaster controller in connection with carrying out different activities.

In another example as illustrated in FIG. 17, a further slave sensorassembly 542 may include or be in operative connection with a sensor inthe form of a moisture sensor 516. The master controller may beoperative responsive to messages from the transceiver associated withthe moisture sensor (which messages indicate the presence of moisture)to cause the user interface device 302 to display a warning messageindicating that water has been detected in a basement or other locationbeing monitored by the moisture sensor. In some embodiments, the mastercontroller may be operative to automatically cause programmed correctiveactions to be taken in response to such a message, such as causing theslave valve assembly 240 associated with the water softener 220 to shutoff water to the water network of the house.

As discussed previously, each exemplary slave sensor assembly mayinclude a data store 506 that includes function data 514 that indicatesthe type of sensor that the slave sensor assembly is associated with andother associated data. In these examples of slave sensor assemblies, thefunction data may, for example, be indicative of a salt sensor, amoisture sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and electrical powersensor or other data that describes the type of sensor that isassociated with the slave sensor assembly.

It should also be appreciated that the master controller may beoperative to indicate status information regarding sensors and otherdevices through output devices 218 other than the described userinterface device 302. For example, other types of output devices mayinclude a sound output device (e.g., buzzer, beeper) and/or a lightdisplay device (e.g., LED warning lights). Such output devices may be inwired connection with the master controller and/or a slave assembly, andthe master controller may be operative to cause the output device tooutput a sound or light responsive to the status data associated withthe master controller and/or one or more slave assemblies.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the master controller may beoperative to wirelessly interface with an output device 218 which maynot include a slave controller of the dedicated system type as describedherein. For example, the output device may correspond to Wi-Fi or aBluetooth controllable LED light bulb. Such a light bulb may beoperative to turn on, turn off, and/or change colors responsive to Wi-Fior Bluetooth signals. In an example embodiment, the master controllermay be configurable in order to access the LED light bulb and cause theLED light bulb to turn on, turn off, and/or change colors responsive towireless Wi-Fi or Bluetooth messages from the master controller. As insome exemplary systems there may be more than one LED light bulb that isavailable to be controlled in this manner, the master controller may becapable of being configured via a pairing process or other configurationprocess to selectively control one or more of the LED light bulbs.

For example, the master controller may be configurable to cause such anLED light bulb (or other wireless output device) to flash on/off, changeto a particular color (e.g., yellow or red) based on status dataindicative of a slave assembly indicating a problem or a need formaintenance. For example, when the slave sensor assembly associated witha salt sensor outputs data indicative of a low salt level (or the mastercontroller determines via calculations in view of regeneration cyclesthat salt is low or close to being low), the master controller may beconfigured to wirelessly cause a particular LED light bulb in a kitchen(or other high traffic area) to turn from outputting white light tooutputting a different color such as yellow or red, which notifiessomeone in the house that it is time to add more salt to the brine tank.Also, when the slave sensor assembly associated with a salt sensordetects that the salt level is no longer low (or a user has provided anindication to the user interface that salt has been added to the brinetank), the master controller may be configured to wirelessly cause thesame LED light bulb to return to its normal operation (i.e., outputtingwhite light).

As discussed previously, example embodiments of the water managementsystem may include relays that are operative to control electrical powerto one or more devices. Such relays may be configured as part of slaveassemblies (sometimes referred to herein as a slave relay assembly) 1440as illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a water management system 600 that includesa slave relay assembly 640 having a relay 610 for use with controllingelectrical power to an electric device such as a pump 612. Such a pumpmay correspond to a water pump such as a well pump, sump pump,irrigation pump or any other type of water pump that moves water intoand/or out of a reservoir 616 for water.

As shown in FIG. 18, the described slave relay assembly 640 may includeat least one slave controller 602, at least one processor 604, a datastore 606 with function data 614, and a slave wireless communicationdevice 608. The slave wireless communication device 608 enables theslave controller 602 of the slave relay assembly to wirelesslycommunicate messages with the master controller. The master controlleris thus operative to wirelessly send messages to the slave relayassembly 640 that cause the slave controller 602 to control the relay610 to change its electrical condition in supplying power to anelectrical device. In this example the slave controller operates to turnon and turn off the pump 612.

In an example embodiment, the master controller may be configured tocontrol the pump responsive to messages received from slave sensorassemblies 642 that provides data that triggers when to turn on or offthe pump. For example, a sump may include a slave sensor assembly 642 inoperative connection with a sensor 644 in connection with a water levelfloat mechanism. The float may detect a water level in the reservoirassociated with the sump pump.

The slave sensor assembly 642 may send messages to the master controller1020 representative of when the water level is at a sufficient height torequire water to be pumped out of the reservoir 616. The mastercontroller 1020 may be configured to cause the slave relay assembly 640associated with the sump pump 612 to turn on the sump pump when messagesindicating such a high water level are received from the slave sensorassembly associated with the float of the sump pump. Correspondingly,when the slave sensor assembly 642 associated with the float of the sumppump sends messages to the master controller 1020 indicating that thewater level has been sufficiently lowered in the reservoir 616, themaster controller may be operative to cause the slave relay assemblyassociated with the sump pump to turn off.

By placing a sump pump under the control of the described mastercontroller, the master controller may be operative to detect problemsassociated with the sump pump and/or float sensor and report suchproblems to a user (via the user interface device, or a portable userdevice via SMS message and/or e-mail). An example of a problem that maybe detected by the master controller may be a stuck float sensor thatcontinuously outputs an indication of a high water level (even when thewater level is low). The example master controller may operate based onits programming and/or other sensors such as moisture sensors todetermine that the float sensor may be improperly indicating a highlevel when the float level fails to report a low water level after apredetermined amount of time of pump operation.

In another example, a well water pump may need to be controlled based ona pressure sensor of a water holding tank. In this example, the slavesensor assembly 642 may be in operative connection with a sensor such asthe pressure sensor 644 located in a reservoir 616 such as a waterholding tank. The slave sensor assembly 642 operates to communicatemessages with the master controller 1020 that indicate when the pressurein the water holding tank has fallen below a predetermined threshold.Responsive to such messages the master controller 1020 may be operativeto send messages to a slave relay assembly 640 associated with the wellwater pump to turn on in order to fill the water tank with additionalwater. Correspondingly, when the slave sensor assembly 642 associatedwith the pressure sensor sends messages to the master controller 1020indicating that the pressure level has risen above a predeterminedthreshold, the master controller may be operative to cause the slaverelay assembly associated with the well pump to turn off.

By placing a well pump under the control of the described mastercontroller, the master controller may be operative to detect problemsassociated with the well pump and/or pressure sensor and report suchproblems to a user (via the user interface device, or portable userdevice or via SMS message and/or e-mail). An example of a problem thatmay be detected by the programming associated with an exemplary mastercontroller may be a broken well pump. The example master controller maydetermine that the well pump is broken responsive at least in part tothe pressure sensor failing to show an increase in pressure after thewell pump has been commanded by the master controller to operate for apredetermined amount of time.

As discussed previously, each exemplary slave relay assembly may includea slave controller with a data store 506 that includes function data 514that indicates the type of relay and/or device that the slave relayassembly is associated with. In these examples, the function data may,for example, be indicative of a sump pump, well pump, or other type ofpump. Similarly, the slave sensor assembly associated with the reservoirthat is filled or emptied by operating the pump, may include functiondata indicative that the sensor is a sump float sensor, a water storagetank pressure sensor or other data that describes the type of sensorthat is associated with the slave sensor assembly.

FIG. 19 illustrates another configuration of a water management system700 that includes a slave relay assembly 740. In this example the slaverelay assembly is in operative connection with an electrical devicewhich a user may wish to automatically turn on or off in someconditions, or a user may wish to remotely be able to turn on and off.For example, the relay assembly may be in operative connection with arelay 710 that is configured to control electrical power to an electricwater heater 712. Also, as with other exemplary slave assemblies, theslave relay assembly 740 may include at least one slave controller 702,at least one processor 704, a data store 706 which includes functiondata 714 (indicative of a water heater relay and/or other program oroperation data), and a slave wireless communication device 708. In thisexample, the processor executable instructions of the user interfacedevice may include a water management application 714. The computerexecutable instructions of the application cause the at least oneprocessor of the user interface device, to cause the user interfacedevice to send wireless communications to the master controller 1020.The master controller may be responsive to the messages from the userinterface device to send wireless messages to the slave relay assembly702 that cause a relay 710 in operative connection with the slave relayassembly to either turn electrical power on or off to the water heater.Thus, the user interface device is operative to remotely turn the waterheater off and on.

In alternative exemplary arrangements, the master controller may beoperative to cause the slave controller associated with the relaydelivering power to the water heater to cease delivering such power incircumstances where continued operation of the water heater may beharmful. For example, in some exemplary arrangements, the loss of waterflow due to a broken pipe, pump failure or other conditions may cause aninability to deliver water to the water heater. In such circumstances,the master controller may operate responsive to messages sent bytransceivers associated with sensors, messages sent by slave assembliesor other appropriate sensing devices to make a determination based onits programming that conditions exist that make it desirable to removeelectrical power from the water heater. In these circumstances themaster controller will operate in accordance with its programming tocommunicate messages with the slave controller associated with the relayfor the water heater to cause electrical power to be withdrawn from thewater heater.

Further, in other exemplary arrangements, the master controller mayoperate to automatically withdraw power from a water heater or otherelectrical power consuming devices responsive to other conditions. Forexample, electrical power sensors associated with transceivers may beoperative to detect a brownout condition occurring at the house or otherbuilding where the water heater or other electrical device is located.In order to reduce possible problems and/or to reduce electricalconsumption during such conditions, the master controller may operateresponsive to the messages communicated with the transceiver associatedwith the brownout sensor to cause electrical power to be withdrawn fromcertain electrical devices. This is accomplished by the mastercontroller causing wireless messages to be sent to the slave controllersassociated with the electrical devices, causing the relays todiscontinue delivering electrical power thereto. Further as can beappreciated, exemplary master controllers may operate responsive tomessages from the brownout sensor indicating that power has been fullyrestored to operate to send wireless messages to the slave assembliesassociated with the relays to cause the relays to restore power to thewater heater or other electrical devices.

In still other exemplary arrangements, messages indicative of brownoutconditions may be operative to cause the master controller tocommunicate wireless messages to the user interface device and/or theportable user device such as a smart phone associated with a user toindicate the occurrence of the condition. Outputs from such devicesoperated by a user may inform the user of the condition. The user maythen be given the option to provide inputs to the user interface of thedevice such that the user can then cause the master controller towithdraw electrical power therefrom. It should be appreciated that slaverelay assemblies may be configured to operate in connection withnumerous types of electrical devices in a building in order to provideremote control of the devices via the same master controller thatmanages water treatment devices.

It should be appreciated that the example master controller and theslave assemblies described herein may be powered by direct current (DC)electricity from one or more power sources. For example, the mastercontroller and/or the slave assemblies may be powered from one or moretransformers which derive power from household current such as by beingconnected to a household electrical outlet and/or wired into anelectrical system of a building. In addition, in further exampleembodiments, the master controller may be operative to provide DCelectricity to one or more slave assemblies.

FIG. 20 illustrates schematically an example water management system 800in which the master controller 1020 is integrated into a housing 802that includes a plurality of power terminals 806. The master controllermay include an electrical system that is operative to provide DCelectrical power provided from a transformer 804 to both the mastercontroller 1020 and the plurality of power terminals 806.

In this described embodiment, one or more of the previously describedslave assemblies, such as a slave valve assembly 1400, a slave sensorassembly 1420 and a slave relay assembly 1440 may have their electricalpower requirements provided by electrical wires 808 connected to thepower terminals 806 of the housing 802 of the master controller.However, as described previously, even though such slave assemblies maybe wired to the master controller to receive electrical power, exampleembodiments of the slave assemblies are configured to communicatewirelessly through wireless messages 810 with the master controller.Also, it should be noted that some slave assemblies may not besufficiently near the master controller to readily connect by wire theslave assembly to the power terminals of the master controller. In suchcases, a secondary transformer may be plugged into and/or wired into theelectrical system of the building in order to provide power to suchslave assemblies.

As previously discussed, in some exemplary arrangements a cabinet suchas the cabinet 428 may include power terminals which may provide powerto or from numerous different devices therein. For example, powerterminals included on the cabinet may be used to supply power to or fromthe master controller of the user interface device and the slaveassembly and the components thereof associated with the cabinet. Thusfor example in some exemplary arrangements, the cabinet may include oneor more transformers which provide electrical power at the desiredvoltage and amperage to the power terminals that are operative toconnect to the different devices which are included in or may beconnected to the cabinet. Alternatively such as is represented in FIG.20, the master controller or another device may be in operativeconnection with a transformer which is then used to provide power to thepower terminals which are in operative connection with the otherelectrical devices. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments, other approaches maybe used.

With reference now to FIGS. 21-23, various example methodologies areillustrated and described. While the methodologies are described asbeing a series of acts that are performed in a sequence, it is to beunderstood that the methodologies are not limited by the order of thesequence. For instance, some acts may occur in a different order thanwhat is described herein. In addition, an act may occur concurrentlywith another act. Furthermore, in some instances, not all acts may berequired to implement a methodology described herein.

Moreover, the exemplary acts described herein may be caused to becarried out responsive to computer-executable instructions by one ormore processors and/or stored on a computer-readable medium or media(e.g., CD, DVD, hard drive, solid-state drive, flash memory, or otherstorage device). The computer-executable instructions may include aroutine, a sub-routine, programs, a thread of execution, and/or thelike. Still further, results of acts of the methodologies may be storedin a computer-readable medium, displayed on a display device, and/orotherwise used.

Referring now to FIG. 21, an exemplary logic flow methodology 900 thatfacilitates managing water is illustrated. The methodology 900 begins atstep 902, and at 904 includes a step of receiving at least one firstwireless message with a master controller from a slave assembly includedas part of the water treatment device (i.e. water conditioner).

As discussed previously, the master controller may include a masterwireless communication device that enables the master controller towirelessly communicate messages with a plurality of slave assembliesincluding the slave valve assembly in step 904. Also, each slaveassembly includes a slave controller and the slave controller includes aslave wireless communication device that enables the slave controller towirelessly communicate messages with the master controller.

In this example, the water treatment device includes a slave assembly inthe form of a slave valve assembly that includes a slave controller, amotor and a valve. The exemplary slave assembly of the water treatmentdevice further includes a water meter that is operative to generatewater flow measurements based at least in part on water flow through thevalve mechanism of the slave valve assembly of the at least one watertreatment device. In step 904, the at least one first wireless messageincludes data based at least in part on at least one water flowmeasurement.

In this example methodology, in step 906, responsive to the data basedat least in part on the at least one water flow measurement, the mastercontroller sends at least one second wireless message to the slavecontroller that causes the motor to position the valve to control theoperation of the water treatment device. Also, at step 908, themethodology may end. In an example embodiment, the slave valve assemblyin step 906 may be the slave assembly in step 904 and the slave valveassembly may include the water meter. Thus, in step 904, the at leastone first wireless message including the data based at least in part onthe at least one water flow measurement is communicated by the slavecontroller of the slave valve assembly of the water treatment device.However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, thewater meter may be included in a slave assembly that is different thanthe slave valve assembly of the water treatment device and that isoperative to independently wirelessly communicate with the mastercontroller.

Also, as discussed previously, the valve of the slave valve assembly ofthe at least one water treatment device in step 906 may correspond to amulti-port valve having a housing that includes more than two ports anda movable piston. The motor may operate to move the piston between aplurality of different positions in the housing, which differentpositions form different water pathways between the ports in thehousing. Such slave valve assemblies, for example, may be used withwater treatment devices such as a water softener or a water filter.

As discussed previously, the exemplary master controller may beoperative to wirelessly communicate with at least one user interfacedevice. Such a user interface may include a device that communicateswith the master controller in the LAN. Alternatively the user interfacedevice may include a portable user device that communicates with themaster controller via a wide area network. In addition, the watertreatment device may be configured to supply water to a water network.Thus, the methodology 900 may further include the control logicmethodology 1001 illustrated in FIG. 22. The methodology 1001 begins atstep 1002, and at 1004 includes a step of receiving with the mastercontroller at least one third wireless message from a user interfacedevice. The methodology at step 1006 includes the master controllersending at least one fourth wireless message to the slave valve assemblyresponsive to the at least one third wireless message received in 1004from the user interface device. In addition, the methodology may includea step 1008 in which the slave valve assembly of the water treatmentdevice causes the motor to move the piston of the valve of the slavevalve assembly to move between a first position that permits water toflow to the water network and a second position that prevents water fromflowing to the water network, responsive to the at least one fourthwireless message. At step 1010 the exemplary methodology may end.

Also discussed previously, the described slave assemblies, including theslave valve assemblies, may include a slave controller including datastore comprising data indicating a function that the slave assembly isintended to carry out. Thus, the methodology 900 may further include thecontrol logic methodology 1101 illustrated in FIG. 23. The methodology1101 begins at step 1102, and at 1104 includes a step of the slaveassembly sending a wireless message to a master controller that includesdata representative of data indicating the function of the slaveassembly. The master controller may then send at least somecommunications to the slave assembly based at least in part on the datarepresentative of the data indicating the function of the slaveassembly.

For example, a slave valve assembly may include a data store comprisingdata indicating that a function of the slave valve assembly correspondsto a control valve for a water treatment device. The methodologies 900and 1001 in FIGS. 21 and 22 may then include the step 1104 prior to step904 in which the slave valve assembly sends a fifth wireless message tothe master controller that includes data representative of the dataindicating that the function of the slave valve assembly corresponds toa control valve for a water treatment device. The master controller maythen send the at least one second communication in step 906 and the atleast one fourth communication in step 1006 based at least in part onthe data representative of the data indicating that the function of theslave valve assembly corresponds to a control valve for a watertreatment device.

Further in exemplary embodiments, a data store associated with a slavecontroller of a slave assembly may also include data which is usable toauthenticate the devices authorized to communicate with the mastercontroller in a network. Such data may include identifying data which iscapable of identifying the device and authenticating that it is anappropriate device to include in the network. Alternatively or inaddition, the data included in the data store associated with the slavecontroller may include data which is usable to encrypt communicationsbetween the master controller and the slave controller. This mayinclude, for example, authenticating data or computer executableinstructions which are operative to produce identifying data which canthen be used in connection with the communications to provide secure andauthenticated communications between the master controller and the slaveassemblies.

In further exemplary embodiments, data included in data stores of theslave assemblies may include operational instructions which are usableby the slave controller to control the devices to which the slavecontroller is connected. For example the instructions included inconnection with the slave controller may include the specific steps, orfunctions that different devices controlled by the slave controller needto perform in order to carry out a particular operation. This enablesthe master controller to communicate messages which indicate that aparticular function should be carried out by the slave assembly. Theslave assembly may then utilize the instructions included in its datastore to cause the devices to perform the specific actions and stepsthat are needed to carry out that particular function in connection withthe particular devices, sensors, etc. that the slave controller isconfigured to work with. This approach may avoid the need for the mastercontroller to communicate messages that operate to control each specificdevice function associated with devices that are connected to the slavecontroller. Further, in exemplary arrangements such an approach mayenable the master controller to communicate common messages to slavecontrollers associated with different devices that nonetheless performthe same function. This may be for example different models of waterconditioners which perform the same water conditioning function throughoperation of different types of devices. As a result, the mastercontroller may communicate the same messages with each of the differentslave controllers of the different models to cause common functions tobe performed. However, the slave controllers utilizing their programmingin the respective data stores may cause operation of different kinds ofdevices in different ways and operate in conjunction with differentsensors so as to cause the function to be performed by the differentmodel devices. In some exemplary devices, this may simplify the messagestructure and programming associated with the master controller. Ofcourse it should be understood that these approaches are exemplary andin other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

FIGS. 24-27 illustrate an example of a valve assembly usable inconnection with a water conditioner such as a water softener. Theexemplary embodiment may include a valve mechanism adapted from thecontrol valve mechanism shown in U.S. Application No. 61/986,423, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIG. 24 shows an example exterior perspective view of an exemplary slavevalve assembly 1202 for a water softener with a cover 1204 installed ona housing 1206. The slave valve assembly 1202 may include a base portion1208 that is adapted to mount to a top opening of a resin tank such aspreviously discussed. However, it should be appreciated that alternativeembodiments of the slave valve assembly may be adapted to work withother water conditioner arrangements including in arrangements with aslave valve assembly positioned in other locations (such as adjacent toa tank as illustrated in U.S. Application No. 61/986,423, below a tankor other location.

FIG. 25 shows an example internal view of the slave valve assembly 1202with the cover removed. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the slave valveassembly may include a circuit board 1302 mounted to the housing 1206,which circuit board includes circuitry which includes the previouslydescribed slave controller 202 shown in FIG. 14. This exemplary circuitboard 1302 includes circuits operative to selectively provide power to amotor 1304 via wires 1305. The motor is releasably mounted to thehousing 1206. The motor is operative to rotate a plurality of gears 1306which control the configuration of a valve mechanism 1308. The conditionof the valve is controlled by selectively axially moving a valve elementto selected positions to cause selected water flow conditions.

In addition, as illustrated in a side view in FIG. 26, the exemplaryvalve mechanism 1308 includes an encoder 1402 that monitors the positionof the gears and the position of the valve element such as a piston thatestablishes the operational condition of the valve. In this example, theencoder may be directly mounted to the circuit board 1302.

In this example embodiment, the valve mechanism may include a wateroutlet port 1322 (for softened water) and a water inlet port 1324 (forreceiving untreated water). The valve mechanism may also include a watermeter 1326 positioned to measure water flow through the water outlet (orother port in the valve mechanism). The slave controller is operative toreceive information regarding the measured water flow from the watermeter via wires 1328 connected to the circuit board 1302.

Also, as shown in FIG. 25, the circuit board is operative to receivepower via electrical wires 1330 that may be operatively connected to aDC electrical supply such as a transformer. Also, the slave valveassembly 1202 may be adapted to receive a battery 1318 in aconfiguration that clips under the circuit board. Such a battery 1318may supply electrical power to the circuit board when the power has beenlost from the electrical wires 1330.

In an example embodiment, when the circuit board switches to usingbattery power, the slave controller may be operative to detect thisevent and cause the motor to operate depending on the present mode ofthe water softener when power to the electrical wires 1330 was lost. Forexample, if the water softener is in a mode in which regeneration isoccurring, the slave controller may continue to operate the valvemechanism via the motor to complete the regeneration processes, whileunder battery power. However, once the softener has completedregeneration, the slave controller may maintain the water softener in aneutral mode in which the water softener does not carry out furtherregeneration processes (until electrical power is restored to electricalwires 1330).

However, while the water softener is running on battery power, the slavecontroller may continue to monitor water flow from the water meter 1326.Also, in a further embodiment, the slave controller may continuecommunicating messages with a master controller while under batterypower. Thus, if the master controller is likewise under battery power,the master controller can continue to collect water flow data. Further,the slave controller under battery power may be operative to operate themotor to place the valve mechanism in an operational condition thatshuts off water to the outlet 1322 responsive to wireless communicationsfrom the master controller.

In addition, this example embodiment of a water softener may includeother features that enhance operation or manufacturability of the watersoftener. For example, the water softener valve may include a base plate1334 that includes clips 1332. A valve head 1336 may slide intoengagement with and engage the clips on the base plate to releasablyfasten these components together without screws. In the exemplaryarrangement, this approach enables changing the slave controller motorand other components rapidly and without a need for disassembly ofsubcomponents. This may facilitate servicing units in the field thathave malfunctions. Further in exemplary arrangements, this approach mayenable upgrading units to different types of slave controllers or otherdevices for purposes of controlling the valve of the water conditionerdevice. In addition, the valve mechanism may include a piston yoke 1338that clips into place via clips 1341. This further facilitates theability to change the head. Also, the exemplary housing of the motor1304 is configured to slide into a receptacle in the housing and besecurely mounted to the housing via single screw mount 1342.

Also, as illustrated in a perspective view in FIG. 27 (without wires),the exemplary valve mechanism 1308 may include a support 1502 for abrine valve cam follower 1504 so as to be actuated via a cam 1506. Inthis exemplary arrangement the cam 1506 may function to activate thevalve cam follower by rotating in either direction. This enables usingdifferent valve configurations which can be used with different types ofwater conditioners.

In an example embodiment, the circuit board 1302 may include or be inoperative connection with a plurality of light sources 1310, 1312, 1314,and 1316 such as LEDs. Such LEDs may be spaced apart on the circuitboard such as being respectively adjacent each of the four corners of arectangular shaped circuit board. Such LEDs may be individuallycontrolled by the slave controller to turn on and off and to changebetween different colors. The number of lit LEDs, the respective colorof each LED, and/or a flashing (on and off) pattern of the LEDs may beoperative to indicate different statuses of the operation of the watersoftener. Referring back to FIG. 24, to enable the light from the LEDsto be visible, the cover 1204 may be made of a translucent plastic thatenables the cover to become illuminated (e.g., glow) with the coloredlight generated via the LEDs. As previously discussed in embodimentswhere the valve is housed within a cabinet such as cabinet 428, thewindow 436 on the top of the cabinet enables the viewing of illuminationof LEDs on the valve therethrough. In addition, the controller may beoperative to selectively illuminate less than the total number LEDs tocause portion of the housing to glow with less intensity then when allof the LEDs are illuminated. Alternatively or in addition, the slavecontroller may be in operative connection with an annunciator or othersound output device that outputs various sounds or tones that correlatewith the illumination properties and/or patterns.

In an example embodiment, the master controller may send at least onewireless message to the slave controller of the circuit board 402 whichcause the LEDs to be all illuminated when the brine tank is determinedby the master controller to have a relatively high level of salt therein(e.g., such as when a user indicates that salt has been recently addedto the brine tank). Further, the master controller may send at least oneother wireless message to the slave controller of the circuit board 402which cause less then all of the LEDs to be illuminated when the mastercontroller determines that the level of salt in the brine tank has beenat least partially consumed (via the master controller monitoring thenumber of regeneration processes since salt was added). Thus, the lightemitted by the LEDS may be progressively lessened as the salt in thebrine tank is consumed and approaches a low level.

In alternative embodiments, in addition to or rather than changing thenumber of lit LEDs, the master controller may cause the slave controllerto change colors in a manner that is indicative of the amount of saltthat may remain in a brine tank. For example, when salt has beenrecently added, the LEDs may be caused by the master controller via atleast one wireless message to display a green color, whereas when thebrine tank needs or is close to needing a refill of salt, the LEDs maybe caused by the master controller via at least one wireless message todisplay a red color. Of course such visual outputs may be accompanied bycorresponding audible outputs in some arrangements and/or outputsthrough a user interface device.

As used herein, the terms “component” and “system” are intended toencompass hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.Thus, for example, a system or component may be a process, a processexecuting on a processor, or a processor. Additionally, a component orsystem may be localized on a single device or distributed across severaldevices.

Thus the exemplary embodiments achieve improved operation, eliminatedifficulties encountered in the use of prior valve devices and systemsand attain the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the new and usefulconcepts are not limited to the features shown and described.

It should be understood that the features and/or relationshipsassociated with one embodiment can be combined with features and/orrelationships from another embodiment. That is, various features and/orrelationships from various embodiments can be combined in furtherembodiments. The inventive scope of the disclosure is not limited toonly the embodiments shown or described herein.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theexemplary embodiments, the manner in which they are constructed andoperated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new anduseful features, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. Apparatus comprising: a water delivery control systemconfigured to selectively deliver water from a water source to a waternetwork including a plurality of water use devices, including a mastercontroller, a plurality of slave controllers, wherein each of the slavecontrollers is disposed away from the master controller, wherein themaster controller includes at least one data store and a wirelesscommunication device that enables the master controller to wirelesslycommunicate messages with each of the plurality of slave controllers,wherein each slave controller includes a respective slave wirelesscommunication device that enables the respective slave controller towirelessly communicate messages with the master controller, a water flowcontrol valve, wherein the valve includes a valve body, wherein thevalve body includes an inlet port, an outlet port and at least oneinternal passage in operative connection with the inlet port and theoutlet port, wherein the inlet port is configured to be in operativeconnection with the water source and the outlet port is configured to bein operative connection with the water network, wherein the valvefurther includes within the valve body at least one movable valveelement, wherein the at least one valve element is selectively movablypositionable relative to the at least one internal passage so that thevalve may be selectively placed in any one of a plurality of valveconditions, including a first valve condition in which water is enabledto flow through the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port,and a second valve condition in which water is prevented from flowingthrough the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port, a valvecontrol motor in operative connection with the at least one valveelement, wherein the valve control motor is selectively operative tomovably position the at least one valve element, wherein the valvecontrol motor is selectively operative to cause the valve to be in thefirst valve condition or the second valve condition, a valve slavecontroller in operative connection with the valve control motor, a watermeter, wherein the water meter is operative to measure water flowthrough the valve, a water meter slave controller in operativeconnection with the water meter, wherein the water meter slavecontroller is operative to wirelessly communicate messages with themaster controller including data corresponding to water flow measured bythe water meter, wherein the master controller is operable to wirelesslycommunicate messages to the valve slave controller responsive at leastin part to the data corresponding to the measured water flow, whereinthe messages are operable to cause the valve slave controller to causethe valve control motor to cause the valve to be in the first valvecondition or the second valve condition, determine a water usage patternwith respect to elapsed time responsive at least in part to the datacorresponding to the measured water flow, determine a water usecondition responsive at least in part to the water usage pattern, andcause at least one wireless message to be sent to a portable user deviceresponsive at least in part to the determined water use condition. 2.The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the master controller isoperable to determine that the water use condition corresponds to aleaky toilet valve based on the water usage pattern including regularperiodic use of water within a set range, day and night of every day fora plurality of days.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein themaster controller is operable to determine that a current water flowcondition is not consistent with the water usage pattern.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the master controller is operableto determine that a current water flow condition is higher than athreshold amount based on the water usage pattern.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the master controller is operable todetermine that a current water flow condition is higher than a thresholdamount based on the water usage pattern, wherein the master controlleris operable responsive at least in part to the determination that thecurrent water flow condition is higher than the threshold amount, tosend at least one wireless message to the valve slave controller,wherein the valve slave controller is operative to cause the valve to bein the second valve condition responsive at least in part to the atleast one wireless message.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the master controller is operable to determine the water usecondition that a total volume of water passed through the valve to thewater network during a time period, is not consistent with the waterusage pattern.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mastercontroller is further operable to receive at least one device wirelessmessage from the portable user device, responsive at least in part tothe at least one device wireless message, to wirelessly communicate atleast one device instructed message to the valve slave controller,wherein the at least one device instructed message to the valve slavecontroller is operative to cause the valve slave controller to cause thevalve to be in the second valve condition.
 8. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the master controller is further operable to receive atleast one device wireless message from the portable user device,responsive at least in part to the at least one device wireless message,to wirelessly communicate at least one device instructed message to thevalve slave controller, wherein the at least one device instructedmessage is operable to cause the valve slave controller to cause thevalve to be in the first valve condition.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the valve includes a plurality of valve passages, andfurther including a water conditioner, wherein the water conditioner isoperative to at least one of soften, filter and oxidize contaminants inwater that is passed therethrough, wherein the water conditionerincludes a tank, wherein the valve is in operative fluid connection withthe tank, wherein the valve control motor is enabled to selectivelyposition the at least one valve element to cause the water conditionerto be selectively placed in the plurality of valve conditions, whereinthe plurality of valve conditions further includes a service condition,wherein in the service condition water that is delivered through theinlet port is caused to pass through the tank, and water conditioned byhaving passed through the tank is delivered from the outlet port, atleast one regeneration condition, wherein in the at least oneregeneration condition, water that is delivered through the inlet portis caused to pass through the tank to improve the water conditioneroperation, and after having passed through the tank is delivered fromthe outlet port.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein thevalve body includes a longitudinally extending bore and a plurality ofinternal passages in fluid connection with the bore, wherein the atleast one valve element includes a piston, wherein the valve controlmotor is selectively operative to longitudinally position the piston inthe bore.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the valve bodyfurther includes a drain port, wherein the drain port is configured tobe in operative fluid connection with a drain, wherein when the valve isin the second valve condition the outlet port is in fluid connectionthrough the valve body with the drain port.
 12. Apparatus comprising: awater delivery control system configured to selectively deliver waterfrom a water source to a water network including a plurality of wateruse devices, including a master controller, a plurality of slavecontrollers, wherein at least some of the slave controllers are disposedaway from the master controller, wherein the master controller includesat least one processor, at least one data store and a wirelessbi-directional communication radio that enables the master controller towirelessly communicate messages with each of the plurality of slavecontrollers, wherein each slave controller includes at least oneprocessor, at least one data store and a respective slave wirelessbi-directional communication radio that enables the respective slavecontroller to wirelessly communicate messages with the mastercontroller, a water flow control valve, wherein the valve includes avalve body, wherein the valve body includes an inlet port, an outletport and at least one internal passage in operative connection with theinlet port and the outlet port, wherein the inlet port is configured tobe in operative connection with the water source and the outlet port isconfigured to be in operative connection with the water network, whereinthe valve further includes within the valve body at least one movablevalve element, wherein the at least one valve element is selectivelymovably positionable relative to the at least one internal passage sothat the valve may be selectively placed in any one of a plurality ofvalve conditions, including a first valve condition in which water isenabled to flow through the valve body from the inlet port to the outletport, and a second valve condition in which water is prevented fromflowing through the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port, avalve control motor in operative connection with the at least one valveelement, wherein the valve control motor is selectively operative tomovably position the at least one valve element, wherein the valvecontrol motor is selectively operative to cause the valve to be in thefirst valve condition or the second valve condition, wherein at leastone of the plurality of slave controllers is in operative connectionwith the valve control motor, a water meter, wherein the water meter isoperative to measure water flow through the valve, wherein the at leastone of the plurality of slave controllers is in operative connectionwith the water meter, wherein the at least one of the plurality of slavecontrollers is operative to wirelessly communicate messages with themaster controller including data corresponding to water flow measured bythe water meter, wherein the master controller is operable to wirelesslycommunicate messages to the at least one of the plurality of slavecontrollers responsive at least in part to the data corresponding to themeasured water flow, wherein the messages are operable to cause the atleast one of the plurality of slave controllers to cause the valvecontrol motor to cause the valve to be in the first valve condition orthe second valve condition, determine a water usage pattern responsiveat least in part to the data corresponding to the measured water flow,determine a water use condition responsive at least in part to the waterusage pattern, and cause at least one wireless message to be sent to aportable user device responsive at least in part to the determined wateruse condition.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein themaster controller is operative to determine the water usage pattern withrespect to elapsed time, and wherein the master controller is operableto determine that the water use condition corresponds to a leaky toiletvalve based on the water usage pattern including regular periodic use ofwater within a set range, day and night of every day during a pluralityof days.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the mastercontroller is operative to determine that a current water flow conditionis not consistent with the water usage pattern.
 15. The apparatusaccording to claim 12 wherein the master controller is operable todetermine that a current water flow condition is higher than a thresholdamount based on the water usage pattern.
 16. The apparatus according toclaim 12 wherein the master controller is operable to determine that acurrent water flow condition is higher than a threshold amount based onthe water usage pattern, wherein the master controller is operableresponsive at least in part to the determination that the current waterflow condition is higher than the threshold amount, to send at least onewireless shutoff message to the at least one of the plurality of slavecontrollers, wherein the at least one of the plurality of slavecontrollers is operative to cause the valve to be in the second valvecondition responsive at least in part to the at least one wirelessshutoff message.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein themaster controller is operable to determine that a total volume of waterpassed through the valve to the water network during an elapsed timeperiod condition, is not consistent with the water usage pattern. 18.The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the master controller isfurther operable to receive at least one device wireless message fromthe portable user device, responsive at least in part to the at leastone device wireless message, to wirelessly communicate at least onedevice instructed message to the at least one of the plurality of slavecontrollers in operative connection with the valve control motor,wherein the at least one device instructed message is operable to causethe valve to be in the second valve condition.
 19. The apparatusaccording to claim 12 wherein the valve includes a plurality of flowpassages, and further including a water conditioner, wherein the waterconditioner is operative to at least one of soften, filter and oxidizecontaminants in water that is passed therethrough, wherein the waterconditioner includes a tank, the valve, wherein the valve is inoperative fluid connection with the tank, the valve control motor, andthe water meter, wherein the valve control motor is operative to causethe valve to be selectively in the plurality of valve conditions,wherein the plurality of valve conditions further includes a servicecondition, wherein in the service condition water from the inlet port ispassed through the valve and caused to pass through the tank, and waterconditioned by having passed through the tank is delivered from theoutlet port, and at least one regeneration condition, wherein in the atleast one regeneration condition, water from the inlet port is passedthrough the valve and caused to pass through the tank to improve thewater conditioner operation, and after having passed through the tank isdelivered from the outlet port.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 12wherein the valve includes a plurality of flow passages, and furtherincluding a water conditioner, wherein the water conditioner isoperative to at least one of soften, filter and oxidize contaminants inwater that is passed therethrough, wherein the water conditionerincludes a tank, the valve, wherein the valve is in operative fluidconnection with the tank, the valve control motor, and the water meter,wherein the valve control motor is operative to cause the valve to beselectively in the plurality of valve conditions, wherein the pluralityof valve conditions further includes a service condition, wherein in theservice condition water from the inlet port is passed through the valveand caused to pass through the tank, and water conditioned by havingpassed through the tank is delivered from the outlet port, and at leastone regeneration condition, wherein in the at least one regenerationcondition, water from the inlet port is passed through the valve andcaused to pass through the tank to improve the water conditioneroperation, and after having passed through the tank is delivered fromthe outlet port, wherein the water conditioner further includes: a waterconditioner slave controller, wherein the water conditioner slavecontroller is in operative connection with the water meter and the valvecontrol motor, wherein the water conditioner slave controller isoperative to cause the valve control motor to change conditions of thevalve.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the valve bodyfurther includes a drain port, wherein the drain port is configured tobe in operative fluid connection with a drain, wherein when the valve isin the second valve condition the outlet port is in fluid connectionthrough the valve body with the drain port.
 22. The apparatus accordingto claim 12 wherein the valve body includes a longitudinally extendingbore and a plurality of internal passages in fluid connection with thebore, wherein the at least one valve element includes a piston, whereinthe valve control motor is selectively operative to longitudinallyposition the piston in the bore.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 12wherein the master controller is further operable to receive at leastone device wireless message from the portable user device, responsive atleast in part to the at least one device wireless message, to wirelesslycommunicate at least one device instructed message to the at least oneof the plurality of slave controllers, wherein the at least one deviceinstructed message is operative to cause the at least one of theplurality of slave controllers to cause the valve to be in the firstvalve condition.